Savannah Guthrie makes emotional visit to 'Today' show amid ongoing search for her mother

Savannah Guthrie made an emotional visit to the "Today Show." The long-time host of the morning show took a step back from the show and her co-hosting duties due to the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, who is believed to have been kidnapped from her home in Arizona. 

© GC Images

According to a spokesperson, Guthrie's visit was an emotional one. “Savannah Guthrie stopped by the studio this morning to be with and thank her ‘TODAY’ colleagues,” they said, as reported by NBC News. 

“While she plans to return to the show on air, she remains focused right now supporting her family and working to help bring Nancy home,” they said.

Photos shared online showed Guthrie tearfully embracing her coworkers, including Al Roker and Hoda Kotb. In one of the photos, Kotb is seen kissing Guthrie's cheek, who looks emotional. 

© NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via

The visit wasn't televised, allowing Guthrie some privacy with her friends. Her return was addressed by her co-stars on air, though, with Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones discussing the difficult and emotional moment.

“She said that she has the intention to return to the show, even though it feels like the hardest thing to do, it’s also her home and where she feels so loved,” said Bush Hager, emotional.

“I think her coming here and just being able to be with us, and for us to be able to hug her, I think it’s a step,” added Jones. She shared what she told Guthrie: “Whenever you are ready, we are here.”

© NBC

Guthrie's planned return to the Today Show

Last week, it was reported that Guthrie was in contact with the Today Show, with her and her team discussing her return. According to the Today Show, Guthrie will be able to come back to her job whenever she wants.

“‘Today’ family will welcome her back with open arms on her timeline," said a spokesperson. 

Over the past month, Guthrie has been dealing with the disappearance of her mother, who's believed to have been kidnapped from her home. No new information has been released, but the FBI is investigating the case. 

Guthrie and her family have offered a $1 million reward for any person who comes forward. "We need her to come home," she said in a video statement. "For that reason, we are offering a family reward of up to $ 1 million. For any information that leads us to her recovery." 

© Getty Images