Today host Savannah Guthrie abruptly left the show in the middle of the broadcast on Feb. 28, when she disappeared shortly after 7:30 a.m. The anchor tested positive for COVID-19, though viewers wondered where Savannah went for nearly 90 minutes. Scroll below for more details on her return to the show.
Why did Savannah Guthrie disappear in ‘Today’?
Fill Host sheinelle jones told the public about Savannah’s positive test at the end of the 8:00 a.m. hour after she began to feel ill. “By the way, the morning was interesting for us. Like we said, Savannah left early, she wasn’t feeling well, so she took a COVID test,” Sheinelle told viewers.
“It came back positive. So as soon as we found out she rushed home to rest. So Savannah we love you, wishing you a speedy recovery,” she added .
The Australia native’s absence came as her co-presenter, Hoda Kotb, had been out of NBC Today for more than a week without explanation. Hoda, 58, was off the air Feb. 27 and was MIA the next day when Savannah tested positive for COVID-19.
Despite her absence from the show, Hoda posted inspirational messages through her Instagram account. On Feb. 27, she shared a photo of a sign that read, “Choose Hope.” The day before, she shared a quote that read, “Sometimes miracles are just people with a good heart.”
Hoda’s online presence without explaining his lack of Today had worried his supporters. “Your vague messages are giving me high anxiety but good vibes. I know we will find out what is going on in time. But god damn it, woman – please let us know what is going on!” fan wrote, while another added: “OK. Seriously… what’s going on with you? I know you have a right to privacy, but your real fans noticed you weren’t there and these posts…worried about you.
Several other followers speculated that Hoda could have adopted another child. “Maybe she’s adding to her family?” She already mentioned it,” one person comments. The long-time journalist first became a mother in 2017 when she adopted daughter Haley Joy. Hoda expanded her family with the 2019 adoption of daughter Hope Catherine.
When did Savannah Guthrie return to ‘Today’?
On Monday, March 6, Savannah and Hoda returned to Today and supported each other during an emotional segment.
“My youngest, Hope, was in intensive care and then in the hospital for a little over a week,” Hoda told the audience during the episode. “I’m so grateful she’s home, she’s back home. I’ve been waiting for that day to come, and we’re watching her closely.
The Emmy winner expressed her gratitude to her teammates, including Savannah, who stood by her through tough times.
“You know what I realized too, Savannah? It’s like, when your child is sick, the amount of gratitude you can have for the people who helped you,” Hoda continued. “So I’m grateful to the doctors at Weill Cornell who were amazing and the nurses. And I’m grateful for my family and I’m grateful for friends like you who were there every day. So I want to say thank you for that. I like you.”
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