NBCUniversal will search for a replacement for Savannah Guthrie’s upcoming Winter Olympics coverage as the “Today” co-anchor grapples with the apparent kidnapping of her mother Nancy in Arizona.
“Savannah will not be participating in the Olympics as she is focused on being with her family during this difficult time. Our hearts are with her and the entire Guthrie family as the search for her mother continues,” NBC Sports said in a statement. “Additional information regarding coverage plans for the opening ceremony will be shared soon.”
Guthrie was scheduled to co-host the opening ceremony with sportscaster Terry Gannon. Mike Tirico, the main host of NBC’s Olympic primetime program, is focused on getting through the LX Super Bowl on Feb. 8 and plans to fly to Milan once his NFL duties are complete. Tirico will serve as the Olympic host after the big game, addressing viewers from the field at Levi’s Stadium.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen Sunday night, and authorities said they believe she was taken involuntarily from her Arizona home. NBC News has regularly covered the crisis, providing information, statements from the Guthrie family, and contact information for viewers who may be able to provide clues.
Savannah Guthrie isn’t appearing on “Today” this week, but her co-hosts gave viewers a message from her on Monday. “On behalf of my family, I would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and messages of support,” Guthrie said. “Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our beloved mother. We appreciate the efforts of law enforcement on this case and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Office at 520-351-4900.”
NBC Sports could choose any number of news and sports luminaries to fill Guthrie’s role. NBC is trying to bring a broader audience to the Olympics by leaning more heavily on various people from the world of music and entertainment, including Stanley Tucci and Snoop Dogg.
