As the search for “TODAY” co-host Savannah Guthrie’s mother stretches into its second week, her colleagues on Monday acknowledged the “uncharted territory” of reporting on the story.
“Our ‘TODAY’ family continues to navigate uncharted territory, balancing the updates on the search for Savannah’s mom with all the other stories of the day, like we normally do,” co-host Craig Melvin said. “But we know things are far from normal right now, so folks, we are asking for your grace as we continue to do this.”
Hoda Kotb, who returned to the anchor desk alongside Melvin as Savannah Guthrie remains in Arizona, reiterated that while the Guthrie family remains their “biggest priority,” “we also have a job to do.”
“That’s certainly not easy to do our jobs,” co-host Carson Daly added. “We’re doing that, obviously, for her and for you, the viewers.”
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing Feb. 1 from her home outside Tucson, Arizona. She was last seen around 9:45 p.m. the previous day, when family members dropped her off at home.
No suspects or persons of interest have been identified in the possible abduction investigation.
Reports indicate that ransom notes have been sent to multiple news outlets referencing Guthrie, but no law enforcement agency has yet substantiated them. NBC News has reviewed a copy of one of the notes.
The FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said Friday that the agencies are aware of a “new message” regarding Guthrie, though it is not clear what kind of message it is or whether it is connected to the possible ransom note.
On Saturday, Savannah Guthrie addressed her mother’s possible kidnapper in a new Instagram video, saying the family would “pay” for her mother’s return. Three officials briefed on the investigation said the new video from the Guthrie family was in reference to that second note, which NBC News has not reviewed.
Co-host Al Roker noted Monday that the “TODAY” team is continuing to report on all the latest updates on the investigation — and other big news — because “we know that’s exactly what Savannah would want us to do.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with her, 24/7,” Kotb added.