Savannah Guthrie, the prominent US television presenter, has made her return to NBC's Today show after a temporary absence following the disappearance of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie. Guthrie's first studio appearance since January 30 came just two days before her mother was reported missing.
On Monday, Guthrie told her co-anchors it was "good to be back" as fans gathered outside the New York studios with welcoming signs on a chilly morning. "I'm really feeling the love," she responded to the show of support.
Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will from her home near Tucson, Arizona, on January 31. Authorities have not shared a possible motive or made any arrests in the case. The family has announced a $1 million reward for information leading to her return.
Before delivering his weather report, NBC forecaster Al Roker blew Guthrie a kiss and said, "It's good to see you my dear." Guthrie then proceeded with her regular anchoring duties, covering stories including the Artemis moon mission and NCAA men's basketball tournament finals.
Last month, Guthrie explained her decision to return to work, saying, "I can't not come back. This is my family." She had temporarily stepped away from her anchoring duties and NBC's Winter Olympics coverage after her mother's disappearance.
In a previous interview, Guthrie raised the possibility that her own fame might be connected to her mother's disappearance, calling that thought "too much to bear." Nancy Guthrie vanished without her medications after being dropped off at her home by relatives on January 31. She failed to appear at a friend's house to watch a virtual Sunday service the following morning.
On Easter Sunday, Guthrie reaffirmed her Christian faith in a video message from a New York church, stating, "I still believe. And so I say with conviction, 'Happy Easter.'"