In an extraordinary display of professional solidarity and personal compassion, NBC’s Today show co-anchor Craig Melvin has made the difficult decision to forgo his assignment covering the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, choosing instead to remain stateside as his colleague Savannah Guthrie faces every family’s worst nightmare.
The decision, announced February 5, comes as the search for Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, stretches into its second week with authorities now investigating the case as a possible kidnapping. What began as a welfare check has transformed into a multi-agency investigation involving the FBI, local law enforcement, and even presidential intervention.
A Colleague’s Unwavering Support
Melvin was scheduled to host NBC’s “Olympic Late Night” coverage from Milan, Italy, from February 7-9—a prestigious assignment showcasing the best moments of each day’s Olympic action. However, when news broke of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, the broadcast landscape shifted dramatically.
NBCUniversal quickly reassigned NBC Sports’ Ahmed Fareed to fill Melvin’s hosting duties. Fareed, working his sixth Olympics for NBC Sports, stepped in seamlessly. “With his skill and versatility, Ahmed has proven time and again he can step into any hosting role,” said Molly Solomon, Executive Producer and President of NBC Olympics Production.
But the professional shuffling tells only part of the story. The human element—the bond between two colleagues navigating an unimaginable crisis—reveals something deeper about the Today show family.
Faith in the Valley
During Wednesday’s Today broadcast, Melvin addressed the outpouring of support for the Guthrie family, his words carrying the weight of both personal conviction and professional grace. He shared a powerful message from his pastor that resonated with viewers: “It’s easy to be faithful when things are going well in your life. It’s easy to be faithful when you’re at the mountain, top of the mountain, but the God of the mountain is the God of the valley.”
The Westport, Connecticut resident noted that many people have “come out of the woodwork” to send prayers and heartfelt messages—support that “Savannah and the family needs to hear” during this devastating time.
The Timeline of a Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance has gripped the nation since she was reported missing on February 1, 2026. According to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, the timeline of events paints a troubling picture:

January 31, approximately 5:32 PM: Nancy took an Uber to her daughter Annie’s home for dinner
January 31, approximately 9:50 PM: Nancy was dropped off at her Tucson home by her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni—the last person known to have seen her
February 1, morning: Nancy failed to appear at her scheduled church service
February 1, approximately 11:00 AM: Family members arrived at her home to check on her
February 1, approximately 12:00 PM: Family called 911 after finding Nancy missing with her personal belongings, including her phone, still inside the home

Authorities discovered evidence at the scene indicating Nancy was taken against her will. Blood found on the porch was confirmed through DNA testing to be Nancy’s. Sheriff Nanos stated unequivocally: “We believe she was taken out of the home against her will, and that’s how this investigation is moving.”
A Federal Response
The case has drawn attention at the highest levels of government. President Donald Trump personally called Savannah Guthrie on February 4 to offer support and federal resources. In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote: “I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family’s and Local Law Enforcement’s, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY.”
The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery and the arrest of anyone involved in her disappearance. Multiple ransom notes have been sent to media outlets, though authorities are still working to verify their authenticity.
A Daughter’s Plea
Savannah Guthrie, alongside her siblings Annie and Camron, has made multiple emotional appeals for their mother’s safe return. In one Instagram video, she addressed potential captors directly: “We too, have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media. As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk.”
The family has emphasized their need for proof of life, acknowledging the ease with which voices and images can be manipulated in the digital age. “We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us,” Savannah stated.
Guthrie also stepped away from her own Olympic assignment—she was scheduled to co-host the Opening Ceremony coverage alongside Terry Gannon. NBC Sports brought in veteran commentator Mary Carillo, who has covered 16 previous Olympics, to fill Guthrie’s role.
The Search Continues
As of February 8, Nancy Guthrie remains missing. Authorities have conducted multiple searches of her home and surrounding area with amended warrants. They’ve reviewed surveillance footage from local businesses and followed up on numerous tips from the public.
Sheriff Nanos has expressed concern about Nancy’s health, noting that she requires daily medication that “if she doesn’t have in 24 hours, it could be fatal.” While she has age-related mobility issues and cannot walk 50 yards unassisted, investigators stress that she is “sharp as a tack” mentally—this is not a dementia-related case.
The investigation has expanded to include searches for vehicles that may be connected to the disappearance, with law enforcement visiting local businesses to review security footage. Circle K confirmed that investigators accessed surveillance video from one of their Oracle Road locations in Tucson after receiving tips about a vehicle of interest.
More Than Just Colleagues
Melvin’s decision to remain in New York rather than travel to Milan speaks to something television audiences often glimpse but rarely see in full: the genuine relationships that form behind the cameras. The Today show has long cultivated a reputation for its family-like atmosphere, but this crisis has revealed the depth of those bonds.
Industry insiders note that Melvin’s choice carries professional risk—high-profile Olympic assignments are prestigious career opportunities. Yet he didn’t hesitate when his colleague needed support at home.
Ahmed Fareed will now handle the late-night Olympic coverage before departing Milan for Los Angeles to host NBC Sports’ NBA All-Star Weekend coverage February 13-15. Maria Taylor will assume Olympic Late Night hosting duties on February 10, following her Super Bowl LX responsibilities.
A Community United
The Guthrie family has received an overwhelming response from viewers, colleagues, and community members. Savannah has repeatedly thanked supporters for their prayers, emphasizing her mother’s deep faith and describing her as “God’s precious daughter” and “a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant.”
In her 2024 bestseller “Mostly What God Does,” Guthrie credits her parents for her religious upbringing and describes how faith has helped her navigate difficult times. Now, that faith is being tested in the most profound way imaginable.
As the investigation continues, anyone with information about Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI continue to work around the clock to bring Nancy home safely.
For Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie, and the entire Today show family, the Olympics will go on—but some moments require us to remember what truly matters. In choosing to stand by his colleague during her darkest hour, Melvin has demonstrated that sometimes the most important place to be isn’t on camera at all.