Hoda Kotb extends Today show return to support Savannah Guthrie

Hoda Kotb is extending her stay at the Today show, remaining in the anchor chair to support her long-time colleague Savannah Guthrie during an unimaginable family crisis.

Kotb, who officially stepped down from her full-time role in early 2025, returned on 6 February to fill the void left by Savannah following the abduction of her mother, Nancy Guthrie.

Alongside Craig Melvin, Kotb continues to provide a steadying presence for viewers as the search for the 84-year-old enters its fifth week.

When Kotb first announced her departure in late 2024, she spoke of a desire to prioritise her family, noting, “now my daughters and my mom need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie.”

However, the gravity of Savannah's situation prompted her return. The Guthrie family recently increased their reward to "up to $1 million" for information, with Savannah sharing a heart-wrenching video update on Tuesday.

Reflecting on the uncertainty, Savannah expressed a mix of faith and realism, stating, “We still believe in a miracle. We still believe that she can come home, hope against hope, as my sister says, ‘We are blowing on the embers of hope.’”

Savannah acknowledged the possibility that her mother may have already passed away, adding, “If this is what is to be, then we will accept it, but we need to know where she is.”

As the investigation continues, Kotb’s presence ensures the morning programme remains in trusted hands during this profoundly difficult chapter for the NBC family.