Hoda Kotb to Miss Olympics Amid Search for Savannah Guthrie’s Mom

Michelle Stein
12 Comments
Hoda Kotb
Dustin Satloff/Getty Images for the USOPC

What To Know

  • Hoda Kotb will not attend the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan to support Savannah Guthrie, whose mother, Nancy Guthrie, remains missing after an alleged abduction.
  • Peter Alexander will replace Kotb in NBC’s Olympics coverage, while Mary Carillo has taken over Savannah Guthrie’s cohosting duties for the opening ceremony.
  • The search for Nancy Guthrie continues after she was reportedly taken from her Arizona home on January 31, with authorities treating the case as a kidnapping and investigating ransom notes.

Hoda Kotb will miss the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics as the search continues for Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie‘s mom, Nancy Guthrie, 84.

On Friday, February 16, a source told People that Kotb, 61, will not travel to Milan for NBC’s Winter Olympics coverage, as previously scheduled. Instead, she will remain in the U.S. with Craig Melvin, who also pulled out from Olympics coverage amid the ongoing efforts to locate Nancy.

Replacing Kotb in Milan is Saturday Today co-anchor Peter Alexander. Meanwhile, NBC Sports’ Ahmed Fareed, who was already scheduled to cover the Winter Olympics, took over Melvin’s hosting spot.

Originally, Savannah was scheduled to cohost the opening ceremony alongside Terry Gannon and Shaun White. However, she officially dropped out on February 4. NBC sports reporter Mary Carillo took her place in Italy on Friday, February 6.

Craig Melvin to Miss Winter Olympics Amid Search for Savannah Guthrie's Mom
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Craig Melvin to Miss Winter Olympics Amid Search for Savannah Guthrie's Mom

“Our hearts go out to Savannah and the entire Guthrie family. They continue to have our full support,” Molly Solomon, executive producer and president of NBC Olympics Production, said in a statement. “We are fortunate to have a deep bench of talented commentators who will step in and fill these roles. Mary is one of the most experienced Olympic commentators ever and a master storyteller. She and Terry will lead the American audience through one of the world’s greatest global moments.”

On February 1, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (CSPD) in Arizona launched a search for Nancy after her family reported her missing. Savannah’s mother was last seen on the evening of January 31 at her home. The next day, the PCSD declared Nancy’s home a crime scene, saying she was “taken” from her residence “against her will,” in the middle of the night. DNA testing of blood found on the front porch confirmed that it belonged to Nancy.

As of writing, Savannah’s mother remains missing as investigators and the family have attempted to make contact with kidnappers after receiving alleged ransom notes.

Today, Weekdays, 7/6c, NBC

TodayWinter OlympicsHoda KotbNancy GuthrieSavannah Guthrie



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  1. S

    Sandy bacon

    It is sad. However it is beginning to seem like this poor older lady might be a victim of foul play. It’s been so long and with out her medication. I hope not. But it seems that way.

    7

  2. C

    C Travers

    I think its great how the whole news team along with Hoyda pulled together to support

    Savanah at this horrible time ... respect for all and hopes for a good resolution for the Guthrie family

    6

  3. S

    sandielove245

    Savannah, her family and friends. Co-workers are all in my prayers for Nancy to return home unharmed

    5

  4. U

    U812

    Who Cares if she misses Olympics. Im missing it cause lack of Fs to give

    4

    1. C

      cjwvcanaan

      How cruel! Guess you dont have a mom!

      3

      1. D

        dmlee55

        Will all the crazies please stay off the Internet!

        1

  5. F

    for reel

    saw this coming despicable attention seeker Hoda

    3

    1. S

      Saraph

      Do what? Hoda is coming in for her bff and your all blowed up and jealous about it?! I was thinking you would say Thanks Hoda for being such a good friend to Savannah! Sounds like you are a pretty big ass wipe!

      10

      1. D

        dmlee55

        What’s wrong with that person? Stating that crap about Hoda?

        2

        1. S

          Sport12

          Hard to understand the contempt that people have for one another and the need to share it!

          1

    2. C

      cmhteach

      It's admirable that her closest colleagues/friends would forego the trip to cover the Olympics to remain here to fill-in for Savannah at work and be in closer proximity to her here in AZ should she need them.

      Hola is the logical choice to fill Savannah's "seat" on-air right now as they were a "team" for many years and she is available at this time.

      This is what friends do!

      19

  6. R

    Rob R

    Just a small note that "Today" airs in all time zones at 7 am.

    2