NBC confirmed on Thursday that Savannah Guthrie “plans to return” to the “Today” show eventually, marking the network’s initial public statement regarding her future on the broadcast.
As highlighted in a brief news update on the “Today” show Thursday morning, Guthrie’s mother, Nancy, has been missing for 33 days.
Guthrie spent several weeks in Tucson, Arizona, aiding in the search, before recently heading back to her residence in New York.
NBC announced Thursday that she visited Studio 1A at Rockefeller Center, the “Today” show’s iconic location, for the first time since her mother’s reported disappearance.
“Savannah Guthrie stopped by the studio this morning to be with and express gratitude to her TODAY colleagues,” NBC stated. “While she intends to come back on air, her current focus remains on supporting her family and working towards Nancy’s safe return.”
Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones discussed Guthrie’s visit during the 10 a.m. hour of “Today.”
Guthrie “hugged every single person in this room,” Hager recounted.
“She mentioned that, despite it feeling like the most challenging thing to do, she has the intention to return to the show because it’s her home and where she feels profoundly loved, and she is indeed cherished here,” Hager shared.
“Whenever you are ready, we are here,” Jones affirmed, conveying the message the co-hosts delivered to Guthrie during her visit.
CNN reported last week that the timeline for Guthrie’s return to work remained highly uncertain and entirely her decision, given the distressing and all-consuming search for Nancy.