Savannah Guthrie was absent on Monday, Feb. 2 for the Today show’s broadcast in the midst of her family’s search for her missing mother.
The case surrounding the co-anchor of the NBC morning show’s 84-year-old mother, Nancy, was addressed at the top of Monday’s show, hours after the news broke in the media.
Sheinelle Jones filled in for Guthrie alongside Craig Melvin.
“We want to get right to what is a deeply personal story for us, Nancy Guthrie, Savannah’s beloved mother, has been reported missing in Arizona,” Melvin shared.
Guthrie, 54, released a statement to the Today show, saying, “On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers, and messages of support. Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom. We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.”
The Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said in a press conference on Sunday night that Nancy has “no cognitive issues at all. She’s very alert, she’s of good, sound mind.”
NBC reported that the sheriff noted the scene at Nancy’s house was “very concerning” and of “grave concern,” causing the local law enforcement to act urgently.
Nanos also previously stated that Nancy is “not in good physical health.”
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In an attempt to locate Nancy, Nanos said authorities are using airplanes, drones, helicopters and search-and-rescue dogs on loan from Border Patrol. The possibility of foul play has not been ruled out, with homicide detectives reportedly also involved in the investigation despite a body not having been found.
“I hope we find her safe and sound, but we can’t ignore what’s in front of us,” Nanos said.
Nancy’s most recent appearance on the Today show took place in November 2025 when Guthrie did a segment on her hometown of Tuscon, Ariz.
She has appeared on the show alongside her daughter several times through the years.
A representative for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for further information.
