Savannah Guthrie has dropped out of her hosting duties at the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony amid her mother’s disappearance.
The Today anchor’s mom, Nancy Guthrie, remains nowhere to be found 48 hours after she was reported missing Sunday afternoon, as police believe she was abducted from her home in the middle of the night.
Savannah, 54, was set to head to Italy for the start of the winter games Friday, but will not be traveling abroad due to the family emergency.
An NBC Sports spokesperson said in a statement shared with The Independent, “Savannah will not be joining us at the Olympics as she focuses on being with her family during this difficult time. Our hearts are with her and the entire Guthrie family as the search continues for their mother.”
The outlet said more information surrounding the opening ceremony coverage will be shared soon.
The TV personality was scheduled to co-host NBC’s coverage of the opening ceremony alongside Terry Gannon, with three-time Olympic medalist snowboarder Shaun White expected to join the pair of broadcasters.
This would have marked her fourth time hosting an Olympic opening ceremony.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to host the Opening Ceremony alongside the incomparable Terry Gannon and snowboarding legend Shaun White,” Savannah said in a statement when the lineup was announced in September. “It’s such an honor to celebrate the world’s best athletes and introduce the magic and wonder of the Winter Games and northern Italy to viewers at home.”
Savannah reportedly planned to stay in Italy for a week to record NBC’s morning program with her former co-host Hoda Kotb. The Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are set to run from February 6 to 26.
The anchor has been absent from the Today show as the search for Nancy enters its third day. The 84-year-old was reported missing Sunday afternoon after she failed to attend her usual church service.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Nancy was “abducted” Saturday night. Nancy, who is limited in mobility and relies on daily medication, left her phone, wallet, and car at her home in Tucson, Arizona. Investigators also found DNA evidence at the home, signs of forced entry, and blood, though it was unclear whose blood it was.
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“Nancy Guthrie is of great sound and mind, this is not dementia related. She is as sharp as a tack. Her family wants everybody to know, this is not somebody that just wandered off,” Nanos said.
Savannah wrote on Instagram Monday night: “Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. Raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment.”