Savannah Guthrie is back today Monday’s show — this time, for real (and for good).
The longtime NBC News morning show co-anchor was sitting in her familiar chair next to Craig Melvin when the clock struck 7 a.m. ET. (Well, technically she was there five minutes ago for a live promo.) Time to go to work.
Dressed in a cheerful yellow dress and surrounded by roses of the same color, Guthrie opened up about the latest news on Iran — including a potential 45-day ceasefire and a rescue mission to save two downed American pilots — as if it were any other day. It wasn’t.
There were exciting comments about rising gas prices, Artemis II, the weather, Royals Talk, and the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament – congrats to UCLA!
“It’s good to be home,” Guthrie then said to Craig and on camera.
“Yes, it’s good to be home,” Melvin said.
“Well, here we go. Whether we’re ready or not, let’s spread the news,” she said.
After that, it was pretty much business as usual — early on, at least. By 7:13 a.m. ET, Guthrie was making jokes at the expense of Melvin, a University of South Carolina supporter (and South Carolina native). The Bruins blew out the Gamecocks. Sorry, Craig. (He wore a yellow tie and pocket square; all the on-air talent wore yellow ribbon pins, symbolizing the search for Nancy.)
When it was time for the weather, Al Roker commented that he loved looking into the office and seeing the savannah where it belonged. Early acknowledgments of the moment were brief, but sweet. Guthrie is a player.
Fans lined up outside the iconic Studio 1A at 10 Rockefeller Plaza (across from 30 Rock) as usual, but with a little extra enthusiasm and more signs supporting Savannah. At 7:30, we got our first live shot of the audience as Carson Daly and Rucker joined the office.
Guthrie said she was “excited to give them all a hug,” and added, “I really feel so loved.”
At 7:50, Jenna Bush Hager brought the “Morning Boost” trick for toddlers to the table. But first, she said, “We don’t even need a boost because we’ve got the sunshine back,” referring to the savannah. By then, the office was full – including Shenell Jones – and the gang was back together again.
At 8:30 a.m., Guthrie was welcomed back to the arena where she let out some emotions.
“These signs are so beautiful,” Guthrie said. “You’ve been so lovely. I’ve received so many messages – so much kindness to me and my family. We feel it. We feel your prayers, so thank you so much.”
Guthrie was absent from today Since her mother, Nancy Guthrie, was kidnapped from her home in Tucson, Arizona in the early morning hours of February 1. The investigation, a collaborative effort between the Pima County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, has been on and off since then, but no suspects have been identified. There was no evidence of life. Nancy Guthrie is 84 years old and in poor health.
Savannah Guthrie stopped by today She appears twice since her mother’s disappearance. The first time was in early March, and was really just a set visit to see friends and thank them for their support. The second time was to interview her colleague Hoda Kotb. It was a long, tearful conversation broadcast in several parts over two days. In the interview, Savannah blamed her wealth and fame for Nancy’s kidnapping, although she added that the family could not be sure of the motive at this point. She also said that God spoke directly to her and stated that Nancy was “with me.” And with the interview came news: Savannah Guthrie will return to work on Monday, April 6.
