Savannah Guthrie Leaves Today Show Mid-Broadcast as Nancy Guthrie Case Nears 100 Days
NBC Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie abruptly left her live broadcast on May 6, 2026, sending viewers scrambling for answers — all while the agonizing investigation into the disappearance of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, approaches a devastating milestone with still no suspects and no sign of the missing grandmother.
Savannah Guthrie Leaves Today Show — What Happened on May 6
The Today host abruptly left her post 90 minutes into the morning show's May 6 broadcast, with her co-anchor Craig Melvin telling viewers after her quiet departure, "Savannah had to leave a little early. She'll be right back tomorrow, though." No further explanation was provided on air or through NBC.
A source close to the situation told Page Six that Savannah left "for some sort of appointment, and her exit had nothing to do with her mom." She returned to the show as promised on May 7, following through on Melvin's reassurance to viewers.
Nancy Guthrie Missing — The Case Approaching 100 Days
Nancy Guthrie, 84 and mother of Savannah Guthrie, was last seen on January 31, 2026, after being dropped off at her Tucson, Arizona home by family following a dinner. She was reported missing the following day after a suspected abduction in the early morning hours. The 100-day mark since her kidnapping will hit on May 12, 2026.
The stakes around the case have been raised by Nancy's serious medical needs. She requires daily medication and has a pacemaker that stopped syncing the night of her disappearance — a fact that has added urgency to every passing day without answers.
Nancy Guthrie Investigation — What Authorities Have Found
Police believe Nancy was taken from her Arizona residence. Surveillance footage captured a masked individual approaching Nancy's house before her disappearance, and the person appeared to strike the camera with their fist. Authorities previously reported the camera was broken when police arrived.
Small droplets of Nancy's blood were found outside her home. Multiple ransom notes were sent out, with only two being viewed as legitimate by investigators. The Guthrie family has offered a $1 million reward for anyone who can come forward with information that aids in Nancy's return.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department issued a statement saying: "DNA and video analysis are underway, supported by laboratories across the country. Advances in technology are aiding investigative efforts, and tips continue to be received and reviewed." Tips in the case have now reached into the thousands.
FBI vs. Pima County Sheriff — Conflict Over Nancy Guthrie Case
FBI Director Kash Patel alleged that the Pima County Sheriff's Department kept the FBI out of the loop during the critical first 48 hours after Nancy's disappearance. "The first 48 hours of anyone's disappearance are the most critical," Patel said. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos denied the claims, saying an FBI Task Force member was present and that coordination with the Bureau began without delay the night Nancy disappeared.
Savannah Guthrie Returns to Today — Her Emotional Statement
Savannah, 54, returned to Today in April following a two-month hiatus, during which she spent time with her family amid the ongoing investigation. She opened up to former co-anchor Hoda Kotb about the experience, saying: "I wake up every night in the middle of the night. And in the darkness, I imagine her terror. And it is unthinkable, but those thoughts demand to be thought."
In a deeply personal statement about her choice to return, Savannah told Hoda: "I will not fall apart. I will not let whoever did this take my children's mother from them. I will not let them take my joy. It's hard to imagine doing it because it's such a place of joy and lightness, and I can't come back and try to be something that I'm not. But I can't not come back because it's my family."
She also said: "My joy will be my protest. My joy will be my answer. And being there is joyful. And when it's not, I'll say so. I have been so grateful to have this family. I consider this my family, my greater family, and when times are hard, you want to be with your family."
Nancy Guthrie Case — Where Things Stand Today
As of May 2026, there have been no new developments, no official suspects named or charged, and no confirmed sightings of Nancy Guthrie since her disappearance more than three months ago. Savannah Guthrie has said publicly: "We still don't know anything. Honestly, we don't know anything."
Anyone with information about the Nancy Guthrie disappearance is urged to contact 88-CRIME or the FBI tip line at 1-800-225-5324.
