Savannah Guthrie made an emotional return to “TODAY” on Monday, April 6, following her brief hiatus over her mother Nancy Guthrie‘s disappearance.
Behind the scenes, reports claim her co-hosts were given strict orders on how to handle the journalist’s mother’s issue on air.
Meanwhile, to celebrate Easter, Savannah Guthrie was vulnerable and spoke about the struggles with her faith amid the difficult time that had hit her family.
Savannah Guthrie’s Co-Hosts Were Told To Focus On The News
Savannah Guthrie returned to her co-hosting duties on “Today” this week after she took a break to focus on her family amid her mom’s kidnapping issue.
But behind the scenes, reports suggest there were some ground rules the whole crew had to adhere to in a bid to keep things flowing.
According to Page Six, sources close to the production reveal that Savannah’s colleagues were explicitly told not to address her mom’s issue or even welcome her back formally.
“It was supposed to be business as usual. [Producers] said to act totally normal,” an insider shared. “‘Move forward’ is the vibe. It’s been a hard year and a draining time.”
The move was seemingly to curtail her from having to respond every time correspondents brought up the case, which would, in turn, break the flow.
The Journalist Is Ready To ‘Go Back To Arizona’ If There Are Major Developments In Her Mother’s Case
Despite the directive, Savannah’s colleagues Craig Melvin, Al Roker, Jenna Bush, Sheinelle Jones, and Carson Daly all welcomed her back on air.
Behind the scenes, the vibe was also emotional, with reports claiming there were lots of hugs to go round.
“It is good to be home,” Guthrie said at the beginning of the show. “Ready or not, let’s do the news.”
Another source said, “There were lots of hugs … Coming back to a routine brings a sense of normalcy.”
They added, “She’s prepared to go back to Arizona if there are major developments in the case, or wherever she’s needed.”
Savannah Guthrie Vowed Not To ‘Fall Apart’
Before her return, there were fears Savannah would break down on air as she is still dealing with the disappearance of her mom, who was abducted from her Tucson, Arizona home on February 1.
However, the journalist has revealed she intends to stay strong and vowed not to “fall apart” for the sake of her two children, daughter Vale and son Charles.
“I will do it for my kids,” she told former co-host Hoda Kotb during an emotional sitdown in March. “I will not let whoever did this take my children’s mom away.”
The Journalist Was Praised For Her Bravery: ‘Her Faith Is Unmatched’
Following her return, an insider praised her bravery while noting the important role she plays on the set of the news show.
“Savannah is the heart of the show and the steady hand that guides everyone in the right direction,” the source said, per Page Six. “The staff and crew, we all needed her back. It was emotional for everyone.”
They continued, “Her sadness and pain are not gone, but her bravery and strength aren’t either, and her faith is unmatched.”
“Just as she needed to come home to her children and husband, she also needed to come home to her ‘Today’ family,’” the source added.
Savannah Guthrie Shared A Heartfelt Message About Challenges With Her Faith
Law enforcement has yet to make an arrest in Nancy’s disappearance, nor have they been able to come up with any viable leads.
The 84-year-old grandmother’s continuous disappearance seems to have left Savannah’s faith shaken as the TV host opened up about her struggles in an Easter video message at a New York church service on Sunday.
She spoke about the Christian belief in the resurrection and how humans still encounter “deep disappointment with God” and “the feeling of utter abandonment.”
“Recently, though, in my own season of trial, I have wondered, I have questioned whether Jesus really ever experienced this particular wound that I feel,” she said, per NBC News. “This grievous and uniquely cruel injury of not knowing, of uncertainty and confusion and answers withheld.”
“In those darkest moments,” she continued, “I have thought bitterly, and perhaps irreverently, that I have stumbled upon a feeling that Jesus did not know.”
Savannah then said that it’s not wrong to “challenge our God with questions,” and through it comes “a portal of revelation, the imparting of truth and wisdom.” She went on a seemingly short rant before saying that she “still believes.”
“I see a bright vision of the day when heaven and Earth pass away because they are one, on Earth as it is in heaven,” Savannah said in the closing of the message. “When we celebrate today, this is what we celebrate, and I celebrate, too. I still believe. And so I say with conviction, ‘Happy Easter.’”