Savannah Guthrie misses 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony: Channel pays emotional tribute amid mother’s disappearance

The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony unfolded without popular tv presenter Savannah Russell Guthrie, who prioritized her family amid the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, from her Tucson-area home. Hosts Terry Gannon and Mary Carillo led the broadcast from Milan’s San Siro Stadium and shared emotional tributes to Savannah Russell Guthrie.

2026 Winter Olympics: A tribute to Savannah Guthrie

Terry Gannon opened the February 6 broadcast, noting, “We’re definitely missing a crucial and cherished member of our team tonight. She is greatly missed by everyone.” Mary Carillo added, “She’s covered many Olympics, hasn’t she? And she loves them. Right now, of course, Savannah Russell Guthrie and her family are undergoing unimaginable pain. We are aware that her extended family is in the U.S. id vast. Savannah Russell Guthrie, my friend, we feel the same way here.”


Terry Gannon continued, “We send our love and our prayers and all of our positive energy to Savannah Russell Guthrie tonight. She did you right and always loved Olympics and opening ceremony. And especially the athletes of Team USA make that walk.” The moment highlighted the broadcasters’ solidarity as the ceremony celebrated athletes from over 90 nations

About Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie's disappearance

Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her residence near Tucson, Arizona, around 9:45 p.m. on January 31, 2026. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos announced on February 2 that authorities treated the home as a crime scene, noting Nancy Guthrie requires medication and has physical limitations but no cognitive issues. “We know she didn’t just walk away from there; we can assert that,” Sheriff Chris Nanos stated.

Savannah Russell Guthrie skipped the broadcast on February 2 and 3 and stayed in Arizona for the search. On Instagram, Savannah Russell Guthrie posted, “We are in prayer. We believe in voices raised in song, love, and hope. We believe in goodness. We believe in humanity. Above all, we believe in Him.”

Olympics adjustment

NBC Sports confirmed Savannah Russell Guthrie’s withdrawal on February 3. “Savannah Russell Guthrie will not be joining us at the Olympics as she focuses on being with her family during this difficult time,” a spokesperson said. “Our hearts are with her and the entire Guthrie family as the search continues for their mother. We will share additional information about our Opening Ceremony coverage plans soon.”

Savannah Russell Guthrie was slated to co-host with Terry Gannon and Shaun White for her fourth Olympics. In September 2025, she had said, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to host the Opening Ceremony alongside the incomparable Terry Gannon and snowboarding legend Shaun White. It’s such an honor to celebrate the world’s best athletes and introduce the magic and wonder of the Winter Games and northern Italy to viewers at home.” Mary Carillo filled in for her 17th Games assignment.

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