Savannah Guthrie is taking the Today show to Ireland, a journey that carries deep personal meaning as she honors her late mother, Nancy Guthrie, whose family originated in Galway. The NBC anchor revealed the planned trip during Thursday's broadcast, expressing excitement about visiting the country for the first time while acknowledging the bittersweet timing.
"I love that we're all going. I've never been to Ireland," Guthrie said. "My mother's family — my mother was Irish, (as was) her grandmother. They were from Galway."
The trip comes amid an active investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. The 84-year-old was reported missing on Feb. 2 after being last seen being dropped off at her Tucson, Arizona, home on Jan. 31. Authorities believe she was abducted in the early hours of Feb. 1, based on the time her pacemaker stopped communicating with her phone, and have stated she was likely targeted.
Law enforcement has released security camera footage and multiple ransom notes, including one suggesting the NBC host's mother is "buried with nature." The case has drawn national attention, with Guthrie publicly vowing that her family will "never stop looking for answers" about her mother's fate.
The Ireland broadcast is part of a series of live shows from the country, a common practice for morning programs to travel for special segments. However, for Guthrie, the trip is deeply intertwined with her personal history and ongoing ordeal.
Guthrie has previously spoken about her mother's strong Irish heritage, and the trip offers a chance to connect with those roots. Yet the unresolved nature of Nancy's disappearance casts a shadow over what would otherwise be a celebratory visit.
The investigation continues, with Tucson police urging anyone with information to come forward. The case has also sparked broader discussions about the safety of elderly individuals and the challenges of investigating crimes against them.
As Guthrie prepares to travel, her colleagues and viewers have expressed support, with many hoping the trip provides some solace amid the uncertainty. The Today show's coverage of the trip is expected to include segments on Irish culture and history, but Guthrie's personal connection ensures the story will resonate on a deeper level.
For now, the search for Nancy Guthrie remains active, and her family's resolve appears unshaken. "We will never stop," Guthrie has said, emphasizing their commitment to finding answers.
