Savannah Guthrie Returns to Today Show After Sudden Exit

by

Savannah Guthrie is back in the anchor’s chair.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve been following this closely! Savannah Guthrie was back on Today this Monday, May 7th, after having to unexpectedly step away during the live show the day before. It was definitely a surprising moment, and everyone was relieved to see her back with the team.

During the May 6th broadcast, co-anchor Craig Melvin informed viewers that Savannah had to leave the show a bit early, but would be back the following day.

Savannah, who shares 11-year-old Vale and 9-year-old Charley with her husband Michael Feldman, returned to work the next day but didn’t explain why she had been absent.

Savannah has faced a difficult year since her mother, Nancy Guthrie, went missing from her Arizona home on February 1st. Savannah took time away from her job at Today to assist in the search for her 84-year-old mother, who police believe was abducted by a masked person seen on a security camera.

Savannah shared in an interview with Hoda Kotb that she often wakes up at night and vividly imagines the fear someone else experienced, admitting these difficult thoughts keep coming to her mind.

I just… I can’t give up hope! Even though the police haven’t found Nancy, Savannah’s been amazing. She and her siblings, Annie and Camron Guthrie, are still pleading with everyone to keep an eye out, to help bring Nancy home. It breaks my heart, but their dedication gives me a little bit of hope, you know?

In a statement to KVOA News 4 Tucson in March, the siblings and their spouses pleaded with the public to take another look at their mother’s case. They asked anyone with information – even seemingly minor details from camera footage, journals, texts, or conversations – to come forward, as it could be crucial to solving the case. They emphasized that no piece of information should be dismissed as unimportant.

Honestly, it’s just heartbreaking hearing them talk. They’re completely stuck, you know? They can’t find peace, they need to know what happened to Nancy. It’s like their lives are on hold until they get answers, and I totally get it. I feel the same way – we all need to know the truth!

Our hearts ache for our mom with every moment, and we won’t find peace until she’s back with us. We can’t even begin to grieve – we just feel a constant pain and worry. Right now, all our energy is focused on finding her and bringing her home. We long to celebrate her wonderful life and her strength, but we need her to be at peace first. We are so grateful for your continued prayers.

Savannah returned to her role on Today on April 6th after taking a two-month leave of absence, while the investigation is still ongoing.

For a closer look at the Guthrie family, read on.

Oh my gosh, Savannah Guthrie wasn’t even born in the States! Can you believe it? She actually came into the world in Melbourne, Australia! Her dad, Charles Guthrie, was working there at the time, and she was the baby of the family – the youngest of three. But they didn’t stay long, just two years later they moved to Tucson, Arizona, so she basically grew up an American! It’s just…amazing to think about where she started, you know?

The news anchor was sixteen years old when her father, Charles, passed away from a heart attack in 1988. She has often spoken fondly of him since, including in 2014 when she was pregnant with her first child with her husband, Mike Feldman.

Savannah described her father as a man of surprising contrasts. He was strong and could be intimidating, but also incredibly loyal, gentle, and loving when it mattered most. People often said he had a vibrant personality that filled any room with energy; he was tall, affectionate, and had a great sense of humor.

She hoped their child would inherit Mike’s sense of humor, calm nature, and kindness, as well as the strong moral compass and honesty of her own father, who had passed away.

As someone who’s navigated a pretty fast-paced life – law school at Georgetown, then moving for work to both D.C. and New York – I always made it a priority to stay connected with my mom, Nancy. She’s lived in Arizona for over 50 years, and despite the distance, we’ve always been close. It just proves you can maintain meaningful relationships no matter where life takes you!

Savannah described her mom, Nancy, as an incredible person when Nancy turned 70 in 2012. She told Today.com that her mom inspires everyone she meets, and is intelligent, humorous, and full of wisdom and honesty. Nancy also loves to have fun and is always eager for new experiences.

I’ll never forget when Savannah took me to Australia. It was so special to visit the hospital where she was born – Sandringham Hospital – and then see the house where she grew up in Beaumaris. It really brought her family history to life, and it was a deeply moving experience for both of us.

You know, talking to Nancy about her recent trip back to Australia really touched me. She shared that she honestly wasn’t sure she’d ever get the chance to visit again, which made the experience even more special. When I asked her how she’d describe the whole adventure, she simply said, ‘Wonderful!’ It’s those simple, heartfelt moments that really make travel so rewarding, don’t you think?

“I’m amazed we accomplished all of this in just three days,” Nancy said. Savannah added, “We really made the most of our time.”

Savannah enjoyed watching her mother with her children, telling Hoda Kotb on Today in 2018 that it was a deeply moving experience. She realized she was finally seeing the kind of mother her own mom had been with her, appreciating the simple, everyday moments of joy.

She observed that Nancy was wonderful with the children, and she realized she admired her even more than before, appreciating Nancy’s lively personality and unique qualities.

In 2022, when Nancy celebrated her 80th birthday, Savannah honored her mother on television, describing her as bold and adventurous. She explained that Nancy faced incredible hardships with strength and without complaint, always maintaining her determination and strong faith. Savannah shared that her mother’s fierce love, selflessness, and unwavering confidence were the foundation for everything her children have achieved.

I still can’t believe it. February 1st, 2026… that’s the day my world fell apart. Nancy vanished. They said she was last seen at her house in Tucson the night before, but it just doesn’t feel real. It’s like she just… disappeared. I keep replaying everything in my head, trying to figure out what happened, but it’s all so blurry. I just need to know she’s okay.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated at a press conference that investigators were processing the 84-year-old woman’s home as a crime scene. He also noted that while she wasn’t experiencing mental decline, she was in poor physical condition.

Savannah spoke on February 2nd, sharing that her family appreciates all the support, thoughts, and prayers they’ve received. Their priority is bringing Nancy home safely.

She expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their efforts in the investigation and asked anyone with relevant information to reach out to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.

Savannah’s brother, Camron, is a former military pilot who prefers to keep to himself. However, he appeared in some Instagram photos celebrating his sister’s 50th birthday in 2021.

Savannah shared a heartfelt message on December 27th, expressing her love for her husband, whom she calls her treasure, and her children, whom she affectionately refers to as her ‘angel babies.’ She also acknowledged those who were with her at the start of her journey – her mother, Cam, and Annie – marking 50 years since a special event.

Savannah and Annie are very close, and Annie has been a frequent guest on Today ever since Savannah began co-hosting in 2012.

Savannah described her sister, Annie, as an essential part of her life, saying, ‘She’s always been there for me, my entire life.’ She shared this during a 2017 discussion about the strong connection she and Hoda have with their siblings.

Annie said they were “like the sun and the moon.” 

“Her sorrows are my sorrows,” Annie explained, “and her successes are my successes.”

Savannah described herself as outgoing and quick to speak, but she characterized Annie as someone who was more considerate and took time to think things through.

After her marriage to Mark Orchard ended in divorce in 2009 – following four years together – Savannah found love again with Michael Feldman, who works as a communications consultant.

The couple got married in Tucson on March 15, 2014. Just two days later, Savannah announced she was expecting their first child. Guests actually found out she was pregnant during the wedding weekend itself!

She appeared on Today on March 17th and cheerfully announced, “I’m feeling fantastic! I’m done trying to hide my stomach.”

Savannah and Mike welcomed daughter Vale on Aug. 13, 2014. 

The Today show anchor described the baby as having blue eyes, a touch of blond hair, and incredibly chubby cheeks.

Savannah shared on her blog during her pregnancy that she and her husband preferred unique baby names, seeing them as a great way to start conversations.

Although many people are curious about unique baby names, Savannah and Mike chose to name their son, who was born on December 8, 2016, in honor of Savannah’s father who had passed away.

I was so relieved to hear he was doing well! His mom shared in a video on Today just a couple of days after he was born that he was happy, and everyone at Vale just adores him. It was such a weight off my shoulders to know he was settling in so nicely.

Savannah has spoken openly about the difficulties she faced trying to have another child, and she calls her son, Charley, a “medical miracle.”

In a 2018 interview on Today, Savannah shared her parenting philosophy: she believes the most important thing she can do for her children, Vale and Charley, is to focus on her own personal growth. She explained that at home, authenticity is key – there’s no pretense – so it’s crucial to be self-aware and strive to be your best self.

Read More

2026-05-07 14:18