‘We show up for each other,” said Kotb, who left her permanent post on the show in 2025.

Hoda Kotb returns to *Today *to fill in for Savannah Guthrie amid search for mother: ‘There is also a job to do’

'We show up for each other," said Kotb, who left her permanent post on the show in 2025.

By Shania Russell

Shania Russell

Shania Russell is a news writer at *, *with five years of experience. Her work has previously appeared in SlashFilm and Paste Magazine.

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February 9, 2026 1:50 p.m. ET

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Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie on 'Today'. Credit:

NBC; Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty

As the search for Savannah Guthrie's missing mother veers into "uncharted territory," Hoda Kotb is stepping up to fill in for her former co-worker and longtime friend.

On Monday, Feb. 9, Kotb was back behind the *Today* desk to anchor the NBC morning show in Guthrie's absence. Fellow host Craig Melvin welcomed Kotb during the early morning broadcast, telling viewers, "Hoda's joining us this morning as our *Today* family continues to navigate uncharted territory, balancing the updates on the search for Savannah’s mom with all the other stories of the day, like we normally do."

He added, "But we know things are far from normal right now, so folks, we are asking for your grace as we continue to do this."

Kotb jumped in, agreeing that while the Guthrie family remains the show's "top priority," the anchors are still keeping viewers in mind.

Carson Daly, Hoda Kotb, Craig Melvin, and Al Roker on the 'Today' Show.

"There is also a job to do," she said, adding that the show’s “thoughts and prayers are with [Savannah] 24/7."

Al Roker then assured their audience that the team at *Today* knows their approach is "exactly what Savannah would actually want us to do."

Addressing her return, Kotb said, "You know what, Craig? We always talk about our show as a family. We are a family. I'm part of the family. I'm happy to be with you because we show up for each other."

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FBI arrests Nancy Guthrie ransom imposter in California

Kotb, who departed her permanent *Today* position in 2025, has made a number of guest appearances since. She most recently appeared on Friday's episode, to anchor a segment reflecting on Guthrie’s situation.

Guthrie has been absent from *Today* since Feb. 2, after her elderly mother, Nancy, was reported missing in Tucson, Ariz. The journalist and longtime *Today* anchor traveled to Arizona to be with her family amid the ongoing investigation. Nearly one week later, no suspects or persons of interest have been identified in the possible abduction investigation.

Savannah Guthrie and her mother, Nancy Guthrie, on the 'Today' set in 2023.

Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty

Last Thursday, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos announced that blood initially found on Nancy's porch belonged to the missing woman, after previously describing the crime scene as "very concerning" to authorities. A $50,000 reward is currently offered for any "information leading to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie and or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance," per authorities.

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On Saturday, Guthrie and her siblings addressed their mother’s possible kidnapper in an Instagram video, saying the family would "pay" for Nancy's safe return.

"We beg you now to return our mother to us so we can celebrate with her,” Savannah said in the emotional video. "This is the only way we can have peace. This is very valuable to us and we will pay."

The FBI is urging anyone with tips or leads to call 1-800-CALL-FBI in addition to the Pima County Sheriff’s Office number, 520-351-4900.**

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