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Savannah Guthrie stepped away from the “Today” desk for a multiweek project and used the downtime to reconnect with former co-host Hoda Kotb. Kotb shared a sunny photo of the pair together, sparking conversation about Guthrie’s absence and the new television project keeping her off the morning show.
Photo captures warm reunion between Guthrie and Kotb
Hoda Kotb posted an Instagram image showing the two journalists seated closely on an outdoor couch. They smiled for the camera, arms around each other, in a moment that read like a snapshot of longtime friendship.
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- Savannah Guthrie wore a black dress in the picture.
- Hoda Kotb appeared in a red, long-sleeve top.
- Kotb captioned the photo with a heartfelt line that emphasized how much she values Guthrie’s company.
The post confirmed the pair remain close despite Guthrie’s departure from NBC earlier this year.
Why Guthrie is off the “Today” show
Guthrie has been on hiatus for several weeks while she films a new game show based on the online puzzle Wordle. She announced the break in mid-July and described it as a temporary leave to complete production.
Network and production sources say filming will cover an entire season. A return date to the morning program has not been set publicly.
Wordle game show: what we know
The series is produced by Jimmy Fallon’s team, and Guthrie was tapped as the host earlier this year. Fallon and producers sought someone who could bring warmth and quick thinking to a daytime-friendly format.
- The pilot earned praise from producers for Guthrie’s on-camera performance.
- The show is scheduled to debut in 2027.
- Guthrie described the opportunity as exciting and said the cast and crew are eager to share the finished product.
Her role as host explains the open-ended hiatus from her morning anchor duties.
Context on Guthrie’s recent timeline
The break comes during a turbulent stretch for the journalist. She has navigated a highly personal family crisis while balancing professional commitments.
- Savannah’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, went missing in late January.
- Savannah has publicly appealed for information and acknowledged that investigators have considered the possibility of foul play.
- She stepped away from the show early in the investigation, with Kotb often filling her on-air role.
In August, Guthrie issued an emotional plea asking anyone with information to come forward. She urged the public to “do the right thing” if they know anything about the disappearance.
On-air interruptions and workplace safety
During Guthrie’s absence, the “Today” show encountered another high-profile incident when an intruder confronted co-anchor Craig Melvin on set. Authorities later charged the individual with multiple offenses, including alleged hate-motivated conduct.
The episode renewed attention on studio security and the pressures morning shows face when anchors balance breaking news with live television demands.
What colleagues and producers have said
Jimmy Fallon praised Guthrie’s performance in the Wordle pilot and noted she brought the right energy for the program. Production sources echoed that sentiment and highlighted the careful casting process behind the host selection.
- Fallon emphasized the need for a host who seemed like a genuine Wordle player.
- Producers called Guthrie “amazing” during the pilot taping.
Those remarks helped frame the assignment as a major career move for Guthrie outside morning news.
Public response and next steps
The Instagram reunion drew supportive messages from fans and colleagues. Viewers continue to watch for updates on Guthrie’s return to “Today” and on developments in the ongoing investigation into her mother’s disappearance.
For now, Guthrie remains focused on completing the Wordle series production and supporting efforts to find answers about her family.
