Savannah Guthrie is seemingly looking to add to the number of leaves she has taken on the Today show this year, with former NBC News co-anchor Hoda Kotb rumored to replace her temporarily, as per a recent report. Sources close to the veteran broadcast journalist have claimed that Guthrie is aiming to go on yet another hiatus following the recent update in her mother’s missing persons case.
Savannah Guthrie might take Today hiatus with Hoda Kotb on standby, sources suggest
According to the June 27 edition of Rob Shuter’s newsletter, the 54-year-old Today co-host is contemplating going on an extended leave again. This is due to the tragic development in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance case.
“Everyone is deeply worried about Savannah,” one NBC insider noted in Naughty But Nice. “She’s showing incredible strength on camera, but every new twist is another emotional blow. No one expects a daughter to carry this kind of heartbreak while hosting live television every morning.”
The update comes after a second ransom note, tied to the mysterious disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother, inadvertently came to light earlier this month. In the message, the alleged kidnapper apologized to the Guthrie family for the accidental death of Nancy. They also asked for money in exchange for her body.
With the ransom note leaving Guthrie “absolutely heartbroken,” sources claim that Hoda Kotb has readily agreed to cover for her on the Today show, in case she opts to take a break from work.
The insider noted, “Hoda didn’t hesitate. She made it clear she’ll be there the moment she’s needed. This isn’t about replacing Savannah—it’s about protecting a friend. Right now, everyone wants Savannah focused on one thing: finding her mother.”
Expanding upon Savannah Guthrie’s current state, another source remarked, “She’s exhausted, heartbroken, and doing everything she can to stay strong. Everyone is praying this nightmare ends soon because nobody knows how much more one person can endure.”
Notably, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie went missing on February 1, 2026, after being abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona. However, Savannah Guthrie has yet to confirm her extended hiatus.
