Just a month into her return to TODAY after a two-month absence, Savannah Guthrie is continuing to hold the fort down as best she can.
On Wednesday, May 6, the host, 54, sparked concern over the ongoing investigation into her mom Nancy Guthrie's disappearance when she exited the NBC morning show mid-airing.
90 minutes into the two-hour show, Savannah's co-host Craig Melvin noted: "Savannah had to leave a little early," confirming then: "She'll be right back tomorrow, though."
Sure enough, Savannah returned bright and early the morning of Thursday, May 7, co-hosting with Willie Geist who was in for Craig. While she made no mention of her absence or clarified any reason for her exit, she did share a sweet social media post concerning one thing she missed during her absence.
After Craig noted his co-anchor had to duck out, he turned the attention back to the TODAY Plaza, where a teacher who'd formerly taught Savannah when she was back in Arizona during her high school years was visiting.
Mrs. Nintzel held up a cardboard sign that revealed she "was a teacher at AMPHI High in Tucson when you were there," and included a photo of Savannah from her freshman year, and one from her senior year.
While Savannah didn't get to enjoy the sweet reunion in person, she did share a photo of her teacher on her Instagram Stories the next morning, writing beside it: "Thank you for coming," with a score of heart emojis.
The spotlight on the mom-of-two has been more intense since her 84-year-old mom's disappearance. Nancy was last seen on January 31 by her daughter Annie and son-in-law Tommaso, who dropped her home. It is believed that she was apparently kidnapped in the wee hours of February 1, and was reported missing soon after when she failed to show up at church that day.
Savannah then flew down to Arizona and spent a majority of the two ensuing months there with her siblings, coming to New York City from time to time to care for her two kids, Vale and Charley.
She officially returned to TODAY in early April. Three months into Nancy's disappearance, the Pima County Sheriff's Department shared a statement with HELLO! expanding upon the current status of the investigation.
A spokesperson for the department said: "The Pima County Sheriff's Department remains fully committed to the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance."
"This is an active and ongoing investigation, and we continue to work closely with our partners at the FBI," it added, emphasizing the current focus on DNA and analysis of footage. "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."
"We appreciate those who have come forward and urge anyone with credible, actionable information to contact investigators. Even small details may be significant," it continued, concluding with: "Please contact 88-CRIME or the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI."
