Hoda Kotb Fills In Amid Search for Guthrie's Mom

Hoda Kotb returned to anchor 'Today' on Monday, February 9, 2026, filling in for Savannah Guthrie as the search for Guthrie's mother, Nancy, entered its second week. Kotb assured viewers that while Guthrie and her family are the top priority, there is still a job to do. She sat alongside co-hosts Craig Melvin, Carson Daly, and Al Roker, discussing the challenge of balancing reporting on the search with hosting the daily program.

Melvin acknowledged the unusual circumstances, asking for viewer grace as they navigated the situation. Roker added that they could continue the show because they believed it was what Savannah would want. This return came days after Guthrie and her siblings posted a video indicating they had received a message from Nancy's alleged captors, pleading for her safe return.

Over the weekend, authorities conducted new searches at the Arizona homes of Nancy and Annie Guthrie for missed evidence. A Circle K gas station was also searched due to a suspected vehicle of interest, though no suspects have been identified. NBC News reporter Tom Winter noted that investigators were meticulously re-examining the initial stages of the case.