Savannah Guthrie's public crisis is latest in 'Today' show family
- - Savannah Guthrie's public crisis is latest in 'Today' show family
Kelly Lawler and Bryan Alexander, USA TODAYFebruary 5, 2026 at 10:19 AM
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The "Today" show calls itself a family. One that broadcasts into America's homes each weekday morning. Over the years that family has gone through a shocking amount of heartbreak, and the stars have movingly supported one another along the way.
Host Savannah Guthrie's missing mom is the latest crisis that the normally upbeat TV crew has had to deal with publicly and on the air from New York City's famously windowed Studio 1A.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was stunningly reported missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona, on Sunday, Feb. 1, with the sheriff's office treating the home as a crime scene. Authorities say Guthrie was "taken from her home against her will." Devastated Savannah Guthrie took leave from "Today" on Feb. 2 and withdrew from hosting the Feb. 6 Olympic opening ceremony in Milan-Cortina, urging fans on Instagram, "Please pray." On Feb. 4, Savannah, sister Annie, and brother Camron issued an emotional video plea for their mother's return.
Savannah Guthrie speaks onstage while in conversation with Hoda Kotb at 92NY on Feb. 22, 2024, in New York City.
Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping is a shocking and deeply unusual tragedy, but it is far from the only trauma that the members of the "Today" show have endured over the long history of the morning show. From cancer to the death of spouses to mental health challenges, the hosts have experienced a large share of intense struggles over the years — sharing and processing these hardships with millions of viewers, sometimes in real time.
Here's how the "Today" family has dealt with this ongoing personal crisis and other devastating life events in the past, and how they've stepped up for one another time and again.
The faces of "Today": Dylan Dreyer, far left, Sheinelle Jones, Al Roker, Hoda Kotb and Craig Melvin attend the Broadcasting + Cable Hall Of Fame Gala on May 3, 2023 in New York City.The 'Today' show has rallied behind Guthrie
The "Today" show co-anchors emotionally echoed Savannah's call to prayer during the Feb. 2 show. "Her faith leads us, and Nancy leads us as well," Jenna Bush Hager said, close to tears.
"And it's the one thing we all have, and we can do," Sheinelle Jones added. "Doesn't cost a thing."
Why Savannah Guthrie's missing mom Is captivating the nation
Close friend Craig Melvin, who also pulled out of covering the Milan Olympics opening ceremony in solidarity with Guthrie, said on-air that many show fans have shared that they, too, were praying for the Guthrie family.
"And that's exactly what Savannah and the family need to hear," Melvin said, "My pastor used to have this saying years ago. He's like, 'It's easy to be faithful when things are going well in your life. You have to be faithful when you're at the top of the mountain, but the God of the mountain is the God of the valley.'"
Hota Kotb fought breast cancer, daughter Hope's medical condition
Hoda Kotb was diagnosed with breast cancer in early 2007, which she shared candidly on "Today." Behind the scenes, the diagnosis and battle had a major impact as well. After a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery in March 2007, Kotb was inspired to tell NBC brass that she wanted to be the new host of the fourth-hour "Today" show, which became reality with Kathie Lee Gifford in Oct. 2007.
In March 2023, Kotb returned from a two-week leave of absence, telling Guthrie and viewers that she had been caring for her youngest daughter, Hope, in the hospital's intensive care unit.
"I'm grateful to my family, and to friends like you who were there every single day," Kotb said, her voice cracking in emotion. "I'm so grateful she's home. I was waiting for that day to come."
Kotb, 61, left "Today" with a tearful on-air goodbye on Jan. 10, 2025. Last May she returned and revealed on air that Hope’s condition, type 1 diabetes, "definitely weighed in" on her decision to step away from her 26-year career.
Sheinelle Jones went through 'beautiful nightmare' of losing husband Uche Ojeh
In January 2025, Jones shared in a statement to "Today" viewers that she was "taking time to deal with a family health matter."
In May, Guthrie revealed on "Today" that Jones' husband, Uche Ojeh, who had been privately battling an aggressive brain cancer called glioblastoma, had died at 45 "after a courageous battle." The couple wed in 2007 after meeting at Northwestern University.
Jones returned to the show Sept. 5, speaking with Guthrie about her time with her husband Ojeh.
"It's a beautiful nightmare," Jones said of the tragedy, also telling her friend that "my heart is shattered in a million pieces."
Nancy Guthrie missing from her home outside Tucson around noon local time on Sunday, Feb. 1.
" style=padding-bottom:56%>The Pima County Sheriff's Office in Arizona received a 911 call reporting Nancy Guthrie missing from her home outside Tucson around noon local time on Sunday, Feb. 1.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/991Q9gB7RKeltw5x1hAUdA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMjQy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f3443fb847ec084bbbb86b7e79834a3d class=caas-img data-headline="Authorities search for Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old missing mother" data-caption="
The Pima County Sheriff's Office in Arizona received a 911 call reporting Nancy Guthrie missing from her home outside Tucson around noon local time on Sunday, Feb. 1.
">The Pima County Sheriff's Office in Arizona received a 911 call reporting Nancy Guthrie missing from her home outside Tucson around noon local time on Sunday, Feb. 1.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/991Q9gB7RKeltw5x1hAUdA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMjQy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f3443fb847ec084bbbb86b7e79834a3d class=caas-img>She was reported missing from her home in a community just north of Tucson on Feb. 1, 2026.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/92JoOPXug0oUgXIxaAmk6Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMjQy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1863b846b97bea80103958e0bee51908 class=caas-img data-headline="Authorities search for Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old missing mother" data-caption="
She was reported missing from her home in a community just north of Tucson on Feb. 1, 2026.
">She was reported missing from her home in a community just north of Tucson on Feb. 1, 2026.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/92JoOPXug0oUgXIxaAmk6Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMjQy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1863b846b97bea80103958e0bee51908 class=caas-img>
1 / 5Authorities search for Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old missing mother
The Pima County Sheriff's Office in Arizona received a 911 call reporting Nancy Guthrie missing from her home outside Tucson around noon local time on Sunday, Feb. 1.
Amid Guthrie's ordeal this week, Jones reflected on the death of her husband on his Feb. 4 birthday. Jones highlighted the significance of the date at the start of the day's show. The last few months Jones and her children – Kayin, 16, and twins Clara and Uche, 13 – have been adjusting to life as a family of four since her husband's death.
"I've just been so busy that I think I underestimated how tough this one would be," Jones shared with viewers. "And in some ways, it's harder than Thanksgiving or Christmas, because you know those are coming. And everybody knows it with you. So you're fortified. You're fortified with love and calls, but this is one of those where it's just kind of this tribe and the people in our family. So I've had a lot of texts today, because they understand that."
Al Roker shared prostate cancer diagnosis
In Nov. 2020, Al Roker revealed that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer during the an episode of the show, saying that he would undergo surgery to have his prostate removed the next week.
"It's a good news/bad news kind of thing," Roker said. "Good news is we caught it early. Not-great news is that it's a little aggressive, so I'm going to be taking some time off to take care of this."
In the years since, Roker has periodically reflected on that journey on-air — marking milestones like the five-year surgery anniversary, discussing how his experience has changed his life, and urging viewers to get regular screenings.
Katie Couric returned to 'Today' after husband's death
The litany of devastation for "Today" anchors is not limited to the current lineup of hosts. Katie Couric, who hosted the program from 1991-2006, went through the death of her husband, Jay Monahan during her long tenure. Monahan died at just 42 from colorectal cancer. When Couric returned after her bereavement to co-host "Today" Feb. 24, 1998, the TV moment became one of the most powerful in the show's history.
"Many of you know I lost my husband, Joy Monahan, my loving and beloved husband, last month," Couric said, opening the broadcast. "Words alone cannot describe how devastating this loss has been to me and my daughters and all of Jay's family."
After thanking viewers for the cards and letters, Couric honored "all of you who might be struggling with a life-threatening disease right now."
"Just know that my heart goes out to you," she said.
Meredith Vieira left 'Today' to be with her husband, Richard Cohen
Meredith Vieira, who took over as host from Couric in 2006, announced her departure from “Today” on May 9, 2011, saying she wanted to spend more time with her family, including her husband, Richard Cohen, who had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
“It's a difficult day for me. I’m going to hold myself together here,” Vieira said, sitting on the couch with her colleagues. “Time is one of those weird things you can never get enough of. It's ticking away.
"And I know I want to spend more of mine with my husband Richard," she added, her voice trembling.
Over the years, the couple often appeared on Today to speak candidly about living with the illness, caregiving and resilience. When Cohen died on Dec. 24, 2025, the accomplished journalist and father of three was honored with a tribute on the "Today" show.
Carson Daly revealed his anxiety on 'Today'
In 2018, "Today" show's Carson Daly, known for his 1990s-2000s run as the host of MTV's "Total Request Live," got vulnerable with his co-hosts and viewers. Daly revealed his inner battle with anxiety on the air, saying it was the way he was born.
"It's something I cannot change about myself," Daly said. "In fact, it's OK, I've learned to embrace it. There's a downside to the way that God made me. And a tremendous upside as well."
Daly advocated seeking help from a professional psychotherapist.
"We're so proud of you," Kotb told Daly after his piece aired.
Contributing: Erin Jensen, Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Savannah Guthrie's public crisis is latest in 'Today' show family
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