Amid the ongoing search for Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother, Hoda Kotb is sending love to her friend and recalling how Savannah has seen several of her TODAY colleagues through challenging times in their own lives.
Hoda returned to Studio 1A on Feb. 6 to share a segment about the nationwide outpouring of support for the Guthrie family as they continue to pray for the safe return of Savannah's 84-year-old mother. Police say Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home against her will on Feb. 1.
While reflecting on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, Hoda acknowledged that she has felt distraught over the last few days.
“I think there’s like this helpless feeling. I mean, we’re all so close with her and we all want to help her,” she said.
Hoda, who sat alongside Savannah as co-anchors of TODAY for seven years, noted that Savannah has always been there for her colleagues during their own life trials.
“I’m looking at us and I was thinking, ‘Who was first in the hospital room when (my daughter) Hope was sick?’ Savannah,” she said.
Hoda then addressed Carson Daly and said, “Who hopped on a plane when your parents (passed away)?”
“Oh, my gosh, first person,” he replied.
Hoda turned to Sheinelle Jones and said, “Who was sitting by Uche (Ojeh, Sheinelle’s late husband)?” Sheinelle then nodded.
While speaking to Craig Melvin, Hoda said, “How about when your brother passed?” He replied, “Savannah.”
“I mean, she was there. And I was thinking this morning. I was like, you know, they say love is patient, love is kind — we’ll be patient and put prayers up,” Hoda said.
“That’s all we can do,” Craig replied. “It’s this feeling of helplessness. And we’re not helpless because it’s prayer, it’s hope.”
Savannah has the full support of her TODAY family, but she has also witnessed a massive show of support from other news colleagues across the industry and many public figures, like CBS’s Gayle King, ABC’s David Muir, actress Jennifer Garner and Olympian Lindsey Vonn.
Maria Shriver sent her love to Savannah, too, writing on Instagram, “This story continues to be without any answers, but what is without a doubt is the family’s love for their mama.”
