Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie made an emotional return to the NBC morning show on Monday, 64 days after her mother, Nancy, was abducted from her home in Phoenix, Arizona.
“Welcome to Today on this Monday morning. We are so glad you started your week with us, and it’s good to be home,” Guthrie told viewers.
Her co-host, Craig Melvin, responded: “Yes, it is good to have you back home … so good to have you back.”
“Well, here we go, ready or not, let’s do the news,” Guthrie said.
The hosts then went straight into the news of the day, reporting the latest news on a potential ceasefire in Iran.
Despite the heavy circumstances, Guthrie participated in the friendly banter the show is known for, weighing in on the college basketball championship. “Shout out to my Arizona Wildcats,” she said. “They did make it to the Final Four.”
Weatherman Al Roker welcomed Guthrie back to the show before his segment, saying: “Good to see you, my dear.” (“Good morning, sunshine,” Guthrie said.)
Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother, Nancy, remains missing. During an interview with her longtime television partner Hoda Kotb that aired late last month, Guthrie said she doesn’t know for sure that she will be able to return to the role she has held since 2012 – and the network has not made clear whether Guthrie is back permanently.
“I don’t know if I can do it,” Guthrie told Kotb. “I don’t know if I’ll belong any more, but I would like to try. I would like to try.”
During Monday’s broadcast, Melvin noted a large number of viewers had crowded outside the studio “to welcome back our dear friend”, with the camera panning to signs supporting Guthrie.
“Some beautiful signs out there,” Guthrie said. “There have been signs for so long,” Today show personality Carson Daly said. “They’re going to be so excited to see you.”
“I’m excited to see them, give them all a hug,” Guthrie responded. “I’ve been really feeling the love so much.”
Guthrie got a huge round of applause when she walked out on to the plaza during the second hour of the show with her colleagues.
“You guys have been so beautiful,” she told the assembled fans, tearing up. “I’ve received so many letters, so much kindness to me and my whole family. We feel it. We feel your prayers. So, thank you so much.”
