Craig Melvin, co-host of NBC’s Today show and a familiar face on network news programming, will no longer travel to Milan, Italy to participate in NBC’s coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics. The unprecedented decision comes as Savannah Guthrie, Melvin’s longtime Today colleague, remains at home in the United States while authorities intensify their search for her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie.
NBC confirmed on February 4, 2026, that Melvin — who had been scheduled to host the network’s Olympic Late Night broadcasts from Milan from February 7 through February 9 — will instead remain stateside as the search continues. In his place, NBC will deploy veteran correspondent Ahmed Fareed to handle the late-night hosting duties. This reshuffle underscores the network’s response to a sudden, deeply personal family crisis impacting one of its most recognizable performers.
The abrupt changes to NBC’s Olympic plans stem from the disappearance of Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, who was reported missing on January 31 at her home near Tucson, Arizona. Law enforcement has described troubling circumstances surrounding her disappearance, including evidence that has led authorities to treat the scene as a potential crime rather than a routine missing-person case. While investigators have not released suspects, they believe Nancy was taken against her will and are urging the public to assist with any tips or information.
Guthrie, a seasoned journalist and one of NBC’s most prominent anchors, had been poised to co-host the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Winter Games alongside Terry Gannon. The Olympics were scheduled to begin on February 6 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy — a high-visibility assignment and one of the marquee moments in NBC’s broadcast calendar.
However, as news of her mother’s disappearance spread and the search quickly became national news, Guthrie announced she would not travel to Milan, choosing instead to remain in the United States with her family. Her withdrawal triggered a series of programming adjustments, including Melvin’s decision to stay.
Melvin, who co-anchors Today with Guthrie, addressed the situation on air, calling the news “a deeply personal story for us.” He spoke about the outpouring of public support for the Guthrie family and acknowledged the emotional weight of the situation. While his specific remarks were heartfelt, they also reflected the broader sense of solidarity among Guthrie’s colleagues and the network.
His choice to remain in the U.S. signals more than a simple broadcast substitution: it points to the deep professional and personal bonds shared among the Today show hosts. Many of them have spent years together reporting major news events, and Guthrie’s crisis has resonated widely within the broadcast community.
NBC Olympics executive producer Molly Solomon expressed the network’s continued support for Guthrie and her family, stating that the organization stands behind her during this difficult time. Solomon’s comments reinforced NBC’s commitment to its on-air talent while balancing the need to maintain Olympic coverage.
NBC has rapidly announced its revised plans:
- Savannah Guthrie will no longer co-host the Opening Ceremony or participate in Milan coverage. Her role was significant, as she was scheduled not only to anchor the opening night but also to cover Today on location.
- Mary Carillo, a veteran Olympics broadcaster with extensive experience, has been named Guthrie’s replacement for the Opening Ceremony alongside Gannon. Carillo’s broadcasting résumé — including numerous Olympic assignments — makes her a natural fit to step into the high-profile role on short notice.
- Ahmed Fareed will step in for Melvin as the Olympic Late Night host, taking over the Milan duties from February 7–9. Fareed, already slated to host segments of NBC’s daytime Olympic coverage, brings broad experience in major sports events.
These adjustments demonstrate NBC’s deep bench of talent and its ability to adapt to emergent circumstances. Bringing in seasoned broadcasters like Carillo and Fareed helps ensure that Olympic coverage will continue without interruption, even amid serious real-world developments.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Nancy-Savannah-Guthrie-today-2019-020226-13a98ca6b162416994d8777cc90e343b.jpg)
The search for Nancy Guthrie has become a focal news story beyond entertainment headlines. Local authorities in Pima County have emphasized the urgency of finding her because she requires daily medication and has limited mobility. They have treated her disappearance as suspicious and possibly criminal, with federal authorities reportedly assisting the investigation.
Public support and media attention have surged, with colleagues across networks offering messages of hope and encouragement. Guthrie has shared emotional appeals for prayers and support on social media, reflecting the deeply personal nature of this crisis.
For NBC, the situation has tested its resources and adaptability, yet the network’s swift lineup changes underscore a commitment to both its talent and its audience. As coverage of the Winter Olympics continues, broadcasters and viewers alike are following the unfolding story — on the ice, on the slopes, and on the home front.