In the episode of the Today show on Tuesday, July 23, viewers noticed that one familiar face was missing.
Savannah Guthrie, 52, was out for the day, with co-host Craig Melvin, 45, filling in for her. Co-host Hoda Kotb, 59, mentioned that Guthrie had the morning off but didn’t specify the reason. One potential explanation could be the upcoming Summer Olympic Games starting on Friday, July 26.
Guthrie will be with her Today colleagues in Paris, France to cover the Games. She and Kotb will also be part of the Opening Ceremony, which will be hosted by Kelly Clarkson, Peyton Manning, and Mike Tirico. According to Hello!, Guthrie and Kotb will be stationed on a bridge along the river Seine.
Possibly, the mother-of-two took the morning off to prepare for her coverage of the Games. On the same day, Guthrie posted an Instagram story of a photo shoot the Today cast did ahead of their Olympics coverage.
The Today show surprised all the co-hosts with their own Team USA gymnastics leotards on July 11, similar to those to be worn at the Paris Olympics. The gift was particularly aimed at Kotb, as Guthrie has referred to her as the “unofficial den mother of USA Gymnastics.”
In a conversation with The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in March 2024, Guthrie shared a sweet anecdote explaining Kotb’s dedication to cheering for the gymnasts.
Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, will feature in Team USA for her third Olympic Games. Biles, 27, will be one of the select few athletes to compete in three consecutive Olympic Games. Her husband, Jonathan Owens, 29, is supported by the Chicago Bears to skip training camp and be present to support her.