NBC Winter Olympics host pulls out of Milan coverage as search for co-anchor’s missing mother continues

Craig Melvin has pulled out of Winter Olympics presenting duties as the hunt for co-anchor Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother continues.

The Today show host was scheduled to be at the helm of NBC’s Olympic Late Night coverage in Milan between February 7 and February 9.

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However, he will remain in the US amid the disappearance of Savannah’s mother, Nancy Guthrie.

NBC Sports’ Ahmed Fareed, who was already scheduled to cover the games, will take over the hosting spot.

On Thursday morning’s Today show, Melvin was visibly emotional as he shared Guthrie’s plea for the return of her abducted 84-year-old mother.

“Most days, of course, Savannah greets you right here from this desk,” he told viewers.

“But this morning, our dear friend has a very different message.”

The program then played a video statement from Savannah and her siblings, Annie and Camron, that appealed directly to their mother and her abductors.

The same video was shared by Savannah on social media, and was simply captioned: ‘Bring her home.’

Pima County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after Nancy was taken from her Arizona home against her will in what has been described as a ‘possible kidnapping or abduction.’

She was last seen the night of January 31 at her home, and was reported missing at noon on February 1 by her family.

Savannah Guthrie no longer co-hosting Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony

Like Melvin, co-anchor Guthrie was also scheduled to be in Milan for NBC’s 2026 Winter Olympics coverage.

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She was initially announced as a host for Friday’s Opening Ceremony at San Siro stadium, and was due to partner with Terry Gannon.

The network confirmed Guthrie, 54, will instead remain with her family as they continue to seek answers about their mother’s disappearance.

Mary Carillo, NBC Olympic broadcaster and former professional tennis player, has been announced as her replacement in Italy.

“Our hearts go out to Savannah and the entire Guthrie family. They continue to have our full support,” Molly Solomon, executive producer and president of NBC Olympics Production, said in a statement.

“We are fortunate to have a deep bench of talented commentators who will step in and fill these roles.

“Mary is one of the most experienced Olympic commentators ever and a master storyteller.

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“She and Terry will lead the American audience through one of the world’s greatest global moments.”

Mike Tirico sends message of support to Savannah Guthrie and family

Mike Tirico, who will serve as NBC’s play-by-play announcer for Super Bowl LX on February 8 before also hosting primetime coverage of the Winter Olympics the same night, has said his heart is ‘breaking’ for his colleague.

“My heart’s breaking, our hearts are breaking,” Tirico told talkSPORT of Guthrie, during an NBC Sports media event.

“It’s been a pit in the stomach 36 hours since we found out.

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“I just can’t believe the situation.”

US President Donald Trump also called Guthrie on Wednesday to offer his support amid the ongoing investigation.

In a Truth Social post, he assured the family that every resource was available as needed.

At the time of writing, no suspect has been identified in Nancy’s disappearance.

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