Mary Carillo to Step in for Savannah Guthrie Amid Search for Missing Mother

by February 4, 2026

Change in NBC’s Hosting Lineup for the Winter Olympics

As the search for Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, intensifies, NBC has announced a change in its hosting lineup for the Winter Olympics. Mary Carillo, a seasoned commentator known for her extensive Olympic coverage, will step in as co-host for the opening ceremonies this Friday, filling in for Guthrie who withdrew from the event due to the distressing circumstances surrounding her mother’s disappearance.

Concerns for Nancy Guthrie’s Safety

Officials believe that Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home in Arizona without her consent, raising serious concerns for her safety. This unsettling situation has overshadowed what is normally a celebratory time for NBC as the Olympics traditionally attract large viewership, rivaled only by significant events like the Super Bowl, which NBC is also set to air this weekend.

Hosting Changes and Olympic Experience

Initially, Savannah Guthrie was slated to co-host the opening ceremony alongside Terry Gannon, but her focus has shifted to the ongoing investigation concerning her mother. Mary Carillo, who has an impressive track record of participating in 17 Olympic Games, will now accompany Gannon for the ceremonies. Carillo’s history with the Olympics is well-established, having previously hosted the closing ceremonies at Olympic Games in Salt Lake City (2002), Beijing (2008), and Rio de Janeiro (2016).

Additional Changes in NBC’s Coverage

Additionally, Craig Melvin, another member of the “Today” show team, has also opted out of the trip to Italy, where he was meant to present late-night broadcasts. Ahmed Fareed will take over those hosting responsibilities.

Ongoing Coverage of Nancy Guthrie’s Case

NBC News has been particularly diligent in its coverage of Nancy Guthrie’s case, which received significant attention, including being featured as the lead story on ABC’s “World News Tonight” this past Tuesday.

David Bauder reports on the crossover of media and entertainment for the Associated Press.

Follow him for further updates on this evolving story.