“NBC HAS A BACKUP PLAN—AND IT STARTS WITH HODA KOTB”: Hoda Kotb Is Reportedly Ready To Step Back Into ‘Today’ As Concern Grows Behind The Scenes Over Savannah Guthrie — Insiders Say The Network Is Preparing For Every Possibility, Fueling Fresh Speculation About What Could Be Happening Off Camera — What Was Expected To Be A Quiet Transition Is Suddenly Becoming One Of The Biggest Stories Surrounding The Morning Show

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MEGA; ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Since returning to work at the Today show in April following the disappearance of her mother on February 1, 2026, Savannah Guthrie has been putting on a brave face. But with the mystery of Nancy Guthrie‘s whereabouts still unsolved—and new reports of a note sent to media outlets stating that the 84-year-old has died—it’s getting harder for the 54-year-old to go on.

“Everyone is deeply worried about Savannah,” a source told Rob Shuter’s Naughty But Nice newsletter. “She’s showing incredible strength on camera, but every new twist is another emotional blow. No one expects a daughter to carry this kind of heartbreak while hosting live television every morning.”

<span class="wp-desc-text"></span> <span class="wp-caption-text">Today/NBC</span>
Today/NBC

Shuter reports that Hoda Kotb, who left Today in 2025, is “has been put on standby and is ready to return to the anchor desk immediately should Savannah decide—or be encouraged—to take time away.”

“Hoda didn’t hesitate,” a second source told Shuter of the 61-year-old, who briefly returned to the show in April to fill in for Craig Melvin. Kotb also filled in for Guthrie during her initial absence in February and March after Nancy’s disappearance.

<span class="wp-desc-text"></span> <span class="wp-caption-text">Instagram/savannahguthrie</span>
Instagram/savannahguthrie

“She made it clear she’ll be there the moment she’s needed. This isn’t about replacing Savannah—it’s about protecting a friend. Right now, everyone wants Savannah focused on one thing: finding her mother,” said the source.

“[Guthrie is] exhausted, heartbroken, and doing everything she can to stay strong,” shared another source. “Everyone is praying this nightmare ends soon because nobody knows how much more one person can endure.”

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This story Hoda Kotb on Standby to Fill in on ‘Today’ as NBC Insiders Are ‘Deeply Worried’ About Savannah Guthrie first appeared on InTouch Weekly. Follow InTouch Weekly on Yahoo so you don’t miss what’s coming next.