Hoda Kotb is set to make her much-anticipated return to the Today show next week as she steps in for Craig Melvin during his time off. This reunion with co-anchor Savannah Guthrie marks a significant moment for the pair, especially as Kotb had previously filled in for Guthrie following a deeply personal family crisis.
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The announcement was made during the Thursday broadcast of Today, with Guthrie expressing her admiration for Melvin. “You’ve been holding it down here for a long time,” she acknowledged, before revealing that Kotb would be co-anchoring with her for a week starting Monday, April 13. Melvin, who is preparing for a well-deserved break, is expected to remain away from the programme for the duration of his holiday.
Kotb’s return to the Today show comes after she stepped back from her anchoring position in January 2025. Her absence coincided with the publicised disappearance of Guthrie’s mother, Nancy. During this challenging period, several colleagues from the Today team, including Sheinelle Jones, provided support by filling in for Guthrie, showing solidarity in times of distress.
As Melvin prepares for his vacation, he offered some light-hearted commentary. He joked that he had “heard of” Kotb, referencing her long-standing connection to the show. In response to Melvin’s comment about not watching television during his time away, Guthrie added, “Yeah, don’t. You’re not supposed to watch on your vacation,” adding a touch of humour to the situation.
Savannah Guthrie’s return to the anchor desk after more than two months away was poignant. She resumed her duties on April 6, just prior to the announcement of Kotb’s return. Guthrie had been absent from the show following her mother’s disappearance from their Arizona home, a situation that has now entered its tenth week. The ongoing search has undoubtedly been a strain on Guthrie and her family.
Upon returning to work, Kotb was one of the many colleagues to rally around Guthrie. Earlier that week, Kotb shared an emotional message on social media, and she also conducted Guthrie’s first televised interview since the disappearance. This interview, which took place in late March, was a platform for Guthrie to discuss the investigation and the pain it has brought her family.
During the interview, Guthrie reflected on her return to the Today show amidst such turmoil. “It’s hard to imagine doing it because it’s such a place of joy and lightness and I can’t come back and try to be something that I’m not,” she said. However, she also stressed the significance of returning, stating, “It’s my family… I want to smile. And when I do, it will be real.”
Guthrie expressed gratitude towards her colleagues and the support they’ve provided during this challenging time, calling them her “greater family.” The strength she exhibited in the face of personal tragedy has not gone unnoticed by her peers. Carson Daly, a fellow colleague, remarked on the emotional impact of seeing someone so beloved endure such hardship, yet maintain an admirable sense of resilience and grace.
As the search for Nancy continues, the Today show team remains focused on supporting one another. Viewers with any information concerning the disappearance of Guthrie’s mother are encouraged to contact the FBI or local authorities. The ongoing situation underscores the profound bond among those in the television industry, particularly during times of distress.
Hoda Kotb’s return to the Today show is not only a testament to her professional commitment but also serves as a reminder of the importance of family and support systems in challenging times. As fans of the show look forward to this reunion, the resilience and unity displayed by the Today show team exemplify the strength found in community and companionship, especially when navigating difficult circumstances.