NBC names Savannah Guthrie’s replacement ahead of Olympics Opening Ceremony – The Mercury News
Former professional tennis player Mary Carillo will step in for Savannah Guthrie to host NBC’s Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony, amid the disappearance of Guthrie’s mother, Nancy.
Molly Solomon, president of NBC Olympics Production, confirmed the news Wednesday, saying Carillo will join Terry Gannon in Milan for Friday’s event. It will mark Carillo’s 17th Olympic assignment and 14th with NBCUniversal.
“Our hearts go out to Savannah and the entire Guthrie family. They continue to be fully supportive,” Solomon said in a statement.
“We are fortunate to have a deep bench of talented analysts who will step in and take on these roles,” continued Solomon. “Mary is one of the most experienced Olympic commentators and storyteller. She and Terry will lead the American audience through one of the greatest world events in the world.”
Guthrie was originally scheduled to fly to Milan on Monday when “the worst phone call of his life” upended those plans, an NBC producer told CNN. On Tuesday, NBC confirmed that Guthrie will no longer be able to join the network for the Olympics “as he focuses on being with his family during this difficult time.”
NBC also announced that Guthrie’s “Today” producer Craig Melvin, who was to host “Olympic Late Night” this weekend, will remain “on hold” instead of going to Milan. NBC sports reporter Ahmed Fareed will host that segment in Melvin’s place.
PERSON WHO YOU ARE: Nancy Guthrie pic.twitter.com/BcHeWPppzu
– Pima County Sheriff’s Department (@PimaSheriff) February 2, 2026
The announcements come as Guthrie’s mother has not been reported missing more than 72 hours after authorities launched a search for the 84-year-old man. She was last seen alive Saturday night but disappeared from the Savannah Guthriehome in Tucson, Ariz., early Sunday morning.
Although Pima County Sheriff’s Department officials described the home as a crime scene, noting blood inside the home and signs of forced entry, they remain hopeful that Nancy is alive.
“We have no choice but to believe that he is here,” said Sheriff Chris Nanos in an interview that aired Wednesday on “Today.”
According to Nanos, a ransom note sent Monday to an Arizona news station included information about Nancy’s home and what she was wearing the night she disappeared, although he did not confirm the note’s authenticity or the accuracy of the information.
“It’s like any evidence,” Nanos told CBS News. “You gave it to us, you lead us, we will look at all aspects of that lead.”
Investigators have moved from an initial rescue attempt to a criminal investigation, saying they “believe she was abducted” and “didn’t leave voluntarily.”
As of Wednesday, police had not identified a suspect or person of interest.
Authorities are asking anyone with information to call the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.
