Hoda Kotb\u2019s work at \u201cToday\u201d is still not done.<\/p>\n
The veteran left her full-time position at NBC\u2019s morning flagship last year and, as we\u2019ve previously reported, is hoping to return to promoting her new health app soon.<\/p>\n
She returned to cover for pal Savannah Guthrie after her mother abucted, and has been there to welcome her back to the show.<\/p>\n
Hoda Kotb will join Savannah Guthrie at the anchor desk while Craig Melvin is away. Nathan Congleton\/NBC via Getty Images<\/p>\n
But with Craig Melvin away on vacation this week, Kotb has been called upon again because producers want the friendliest face possible next Guthrie\u2019s as she adjusts to being back at work<\/a>.<\/p>\n The decision to have Kotb fill in was a \u201cno brainer\u201d for brass, as the duo share an \u201cunbreakable bond,\u201d according to our source.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s Savannah\u2019s second week back<\/a>, and Hoda is a safe space for her. They\u2019ve been through a lot together and have a meaningful connection,\u201d the insider said. \u201cThat\u2019s important to a morning show audience.\u201d<\/p>\n Kotb is a \u2018safe space\u2019 for Guthrie, sources tell Page Six. Nathan Congleton\/NBC via Getty Images<\/p>\n Savannah\u2019s mother, Nancy Guthrie, was abducted from her Arizona home on Feb. 1. Instagram\/savannahguthrie<\/p>\n In normal circumstances, Kotb would likely not be the stand in host. <\/p>\n The former \u201cToday\u201d anchor has been the de facto fill-in since Guthrie stepped away to be with her family as they searched for their mother, who was abducted from her Tuscon, Arizona home on Feb. 1.<\/p>\n Kotb held down the fort for Guthrie, until she returned to the show last week.<\/p>\n Sources described Kotb as being a \u201csteady hand, and calm presence for the staff,\u201d as the show, and Guthrie, navigated this unprecedented time covering her tragedy and caring for their colleague. <\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a no brainer for her to step in, and in this circumstance, it just makes sense,\u201d the source said.<\/p>\n Kotb was filling in for Guthrie until she returned to work this week. Nathan Congleton\/NBC via Getty Images<\/p>\n Guthrie and Kotb have a \u201cmeaningful connection.\u201d Peter Kramer\/NBC via Getty Images<\/p>\n