Savannah Guthrie Leaves 'Today' Show Early Following Recent Absence

Today Host Savannah Guthrie Exits NBC Morning Show Early After Recent Time Off

Savannah Guthrie Virginia Sherwood/NBC

Savannah Guthrie left Today abruptly, but it was for a fun reason.

Her cohost Hoda Kotb explained to viewers that Guthrie, 52, stepped out of the NBC morning show a few minutes into the second hour on Friday, April 26. Kotb mentioned, “Savannah left a little early today to get her weekend started.”

Guthrie didn't show up recently after taking a break over the long weekend. She skipped the Monday, April 22, episode of Today. Sheinelle Jones, the cohost of the third hour, was also missing from Friday's episode. She filled in for Guthrie, who Kotb mentioned was "taking some time off today."

Craig Melvin made a comeback on Monday's episode after being off the previous week. Dylan Dreyer, the third hour cohost, was also absent from the episode but returned the next day along with Guthrie.

Guthrie didn't explain why she took a break at the time. Instead, she hinted at the reason through Instagram. She posted photos of her husband, Michael Feldman, and their 7-year-old son, Charley, having a great time at a Philadelphia 76ers NBA playoff game against the New York Knicks. (Guthrie and Feldman, 55, also have a 9-year-old daughter, Vale.)

On April 20, Guthrie shared pictures of the sports outing with the caption, "Best lives lived - thank you @nba!! go @sixers!"

Today Host Savannah Guthrie Exits NBC Morning Show Early After Recent Time Off 3

Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb Nathan Congleton/NBC

Guthrie had a fun time with some cute kids on Today before Friday's show. During the episode on Wednesday, April 24, she was seen holding the child of Today producer Carter McKay.

She posted Instagram pictures with her coworker's baby throughout the day's episode, captioning them with, "Me + Oliver ❤️. Thank you for letting me hold/steal your adorable baby @cartermckay and Brian."

The next day, some of her co-hosts from Today brought their children to Take Your Kids to Work Day at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City. Guthrie welcomed the group of kids on Thursday, April 25, mentioning that there were many wonderful children, including those of the crew, producers, and on-air correspondents.

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Savannah Guthrie Nathan Congleton/NBC

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Guthrie's children didn't participate in the festivities, but Kotb brought her daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 4. Melvin, 44, was all smiles with his 10-year-old son, Delano, on the Plaza. Dreyer, 42, enjoyed the day with her eldest son, Calvin, 7. Melvin and his wife, Lindsay Czarniak, also have a daughter, Sybil, 7. Dreyer and her husband, Brian Fichera, are parents to sons Oliver, 4, and Rusty, 2.

Guthrie and her son joined her Today colleagues and their children to watch the total solar eclipse at NYC's American Museum of Natural History earlier this month. Guthrie captioned a sweet Instagram photo of Charley wearing eclipse viewing glasses on April 8, saying, "Total eclipse of my heart ❤️."

Editor's P/S:

Savannah Guthrie's brief departure from the "Today" show was met with intrigue and speculation. While the initial announcement hinted at a personal reason, Guthrie's social media activity revealed the true nature of her absence: a fun-filled weekend with her family. Her absence coincided with a "Take Your Kids to Work Day" event at the studio, where she was seen interacting with her colleagues' children. Guthrie's return to the show the following day suggests that her time off was well-spent, allowing her to recharge and connect with her loved ones.

This incident highlights the importance of balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Guthrie's decision to take time off for a family event demonstrates the flexibility and understanding that can exist within the demanding world of television news. It also serves as a reminder that even amidst hectic schedules, it is essential to prioritize moments that foster connection and create lasting memories.