The Today Show family has been hit with a bombshell no one expected: their beloved co-anchor and longtime “queen” of morning TV, Savannah Guthrie, has dramatically pulled out of NBC’s high-profile 2026 Winter Olympics coverage at the absolute last minute—leaving fans stunned, colleagues scrambling, and the Opening Ceremony broadcast in chaos.

What devastating family crisis forced this sudden exit right before the Milan games kick off? And why did her co-host Craig Melvin follow suit, staying stateside too? The truth is heartbreaking… and still unfolding. 😱

Prayers are pouring in for Savannah and her family—click to read the full story and see who’s stepping in to save the broadcast.

(Full details below 👇)

The NBC family and viewers of the “Today” show received shocking news in early February 2026 when co-anchor Savannah Guthrie withdrew from her scheduled role in the network’s coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy. The announcement came just days before the Opening Ceremony on February 6, thrusting the broadcaster’s personal crisis into the public spotlight and prompting a series of last-minute adjustments to NBC’s Olympic hosting lineup.

Guthrie, 54, a fixture on “Today” since 2012 and a veteran of multiple Olympic broadcasts, had been set to co-host the prime-time Opening Ceremony alongside NBC Sports anchor Terry Gannon, with input from former Olympic snowboarder Shaun White during the Parade of Athletes. She was also scheduled to anchor segments of “Today” on location in Italy during the first week of the Games, reuniting briefly with former co-host Hoda Kotb, who remained committed to her Olympic duties.

However, on February 3, an NBC Sports spokesperson confirmed Guthrie would not travel to Milan. “Savannah will not be joining us at the Olympics as she focuses on being with her family during this difficult time,” the statement read. “Our hearts are with her and the entire Guthrie family as the search continues for their mother. We will share additional information about our Opening Ceremony coverage plans soon.”

The reason for the abrupt change stemmed from a deeply personal emergency: the disappearance of Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, from her home in Tucson, Arizona. Authorities received the report on January 31 or February 1, describing the case as suspicious. Investigators from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department treated the residence as a potential crime scene after discovering “concerning evidence” that suggested foul play, possibly an abduction or kidnapping.

Reports indicated Nancy Guthrie, who had mobility challenges and may not have been able to move around easily on her own, vanished under circumstances that prompted involvement from federal authorities, including briefings for the FBI. Some outlets mentioned the possibility of a ransom note or other leads being pursued, though officials urged caution against speculation and emphasized that the investigation remained active with no confirmed resolution as of early February.

Guthrie, who had been absent from “Today” episodes in late January and early February (initially attributed by some to a prior vocal cord procedure), posted emotional pleas on social media asking for prayers as the search intensified. Friends, colleagues, and fans rallied in support, with messages flooding in from across the media landscape.

The ripple effects extended beyond Guthrie. On February 4, NBC announced that fellow “Today” co-anchor Craig Melvin would also forgo on-site Olympic duties. Melvin, 46, had been slated to host “Olympic Late Night” from Milan from February 7 through 9. Instead, he remained in the United States amid the ongoing developments surrounding his colleague’s family situation. Ahmed Fareed, already scheduled for daytime Olympic hosting in Italy, stepped in to cover the late-night slot, with NBC praising his versatility.

To fill the Opening Ceremony void, the network turned to veteran broadcaster Mary Carillo. A former professional tennis player turned commentator, Carillo has covered 17 Olympic Games for NBC and is renowned for her storytelling and insightful analysis. She joined Terry Gannon in the booth, with the network describing her as “one of the most experienced Olympic commentators ever and a master storyteller” capable of guiding viewers through the global event.

The changes highlighted the unpredictable intersection of personal tragedy and live television production. NBC, which has long held U.S. Olympic broadcasting rights, faced the challenge of maintaining its signature coverage—blending sports spectacle with human-interest elements—while respecting Guthrie’s need for privacy and family time.

The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially the Milano Cortina Games, mark a return to Italy for the Winter edition (following the 1956 Cortina d’Ampezzo Games and the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics). The event features competitions across disciplines like alpine skiing, figure skating, biathlon, and snowboarding, with athletes from around the world converging on venues in Milan and the Cortina region.

For “Today” viewers, the absences of Guthrie and Melvin underscored the close-knit nature of the morning show’s team. Guthrie’s warm on-air presence and journalistic depth have made her a central figure in NBC’s Olympic tradition, often blending news reporting with celebratory coverage. Her withdrawal, while necessary, left a noticeable gap in what is typically one of the network’s biggest annual events.

As the Games progressed, tributes to Guthrie and calls for Nancy’s safe return continued online and on air. Colleagues like Kotb, Al Roker, and others expressed solidarity, emphasizing family priorities over professional commitments during crises.

The situation serves as a reminder of the human stories behind the headlines in broadcasting. While the Olympics deliver moments of triumph and national pride, they also intersect with real-life challenges that can upend even the most carefully planned productions. As searches and investigations continue in Arizona, the focus remains on hope for a positive outcome for the Guthrie family.