Savannah Guthrie’s Comeback to ‘Today’ Took a Surprising Turn Behind the Scenes

Savannah Guthrie’s return to the Today show on Monday, April 6, was bittersweet. The crew was happy to see her return, but they understood the sadness that still bubbled below the surface.

There were reportedly strict rules in place for how the crew was to handle the anchor’s return after over two months away, according to Page Six. It was a “business as usual” policy behind the scenes because Savannah’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, is still missing, and everyone is feeling that loss.

“‘Move forward’ is the vibe. It’s been a hard year and a draining time,” the insider said of producers telling everyone to “act totally normal.” That’s a pretty tall request given the nature of Nancy’s disappearance. The 84-year-old has been missing from her Arizona home since the early hours of February 1.

“It is good to be home,” Savannah said to viewers on her first day back. “Ready or not, let’s do the news.”

While she handled her return like a pro, there was hardly a dry eye in the house when Savannah was escorted out to the 30 Rockefeller Plaza to greet Today show fans. Entering the outdoor set, the 54-year-old journalist was quite emotional when she saw the supportive signs created by viewers.

“These signs are so beautiful. You guys have been so beautiful,” she said to the crowd while choking back tears. “I’ve received so many letters, so much kindness to me and my family. We feel it. We feel your prayers, so thank you so much.”

Today insiders weren’t rocked by any rules handed down by NBC News executives because they consider Savannah “the heart of the show,” per a second Page Six source.

“The staff and crew, we all needed her back,” they added. “It was emotional for everyone. Her sadness and pain are not gone, but her bravery and strength aren’t either, and her faith is unmatched.”

There is a $1 million reward for information about Nancy’s disappearance, but the investigation has gone cold, and her whereabouts are still unknown.

Anyone with information about Nancy’s disappearance is asked to please contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.

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