February, 2026 – NBC has announced that Mary Carillo will serve as co-host for the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Olympics this weekend, stepping in for Savannah Guthrie, who remains at home as her family searches for her missing mother.
Guthrie’s absence comes as her mother, Nancy Guthrie, who is 84 years old, remains missing. NBC confirmed that Guthrie will not be part of the Olympic coverage during this time to support her family.
NBC also revealed that Craig Melvin, Guthrie’s co-host on the Today show, will stay in the United States. Melvin was scheduled to host NBC’s late-night Olympic coverage, but Ahmed Fareed will now step in to fill his role during the late-night hours while the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance continues.
Mary Carillo, a veteran Olympic commentator in her 17th Games, was already scheduled to be in Milan as a correspondent and will now co-host the opening ceremony alongside Terry.
“Our hearts go out to Savannah and her family during this difficult time,” said Molly Solomon, NBC Olympics’ executive producer and president of NBC Olympics Production. “We are grateful for the talented team we have, including Mary, who is among the most experienced Olympic commentators and a master storyteller. She and Terry will guide the audience through this global moment. Ahmed has shown remarkable versatility and professionalism, and we’re glad he’s available to handle our late-night coverage before heading to Los Angeles for NBA All-Star Weekend.”
NBC’s Olympics coverage begins Wednesday with mixed doubles curling, with the opening ceremony scheduled for Friday.
The search for Nancy Guthrie has entered its fourth day. Authorities, including the FBI, are investigating her disappearance as a possible kidnapping, with Pima County Sheriff’s Department describing her case as a potential crime scene.