NBC has confirmed that Mary Carillo, a seasoned Olympics broadcaster, will replace Savannah Guthrie as co-host for the upcoming opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics. This adjustment comes amid the unresolved disappearance of Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, last seen in her Arizona residence under circumstances suggesting abduction.
The circumstance surrounding Nancy Guthrie has profoundly affected NBC's coverage plans during what was anticipated to be a landmark week for the network. The Olympics continue to serve as one of the few broadcast events drawing substantial, loyal viewership, alongside other major sporting spectacles such as the upcoming Super Bowl, set to air on NBC this weekend.
Originally, Savannah Guthrie was scheduled to co-anchor the opening ceremony with Terry Gannon on location in Italy. However, due to the ongoing investigation and personal impact, she will not be traveling for the event, prompting NBC to bring in Mary Carillo to fill the co-host role alongside Gannon.
Mary Carillo is a familiar presence to Olympic viewers, with a distinguished background including coverage of 17 Olympic Games. Carillo's experience extends to hosting closing ceremonies for the Olympics in Salt Lake City (2002), Beijing (2008), and Rio de Janeiro (2016). Interestingly, Carillo spent a portion of her childhood living in Milan, which adds a personal connection to the host country of the Winter Games.
Beyond the opening ceremonies, NBC has also revised its late-night Olympics coverage plans. "Today" show co-host Craig Melvin, who had been slated to host late-night broadcasts early next week, will no longer be attending the Games. Ahmed Fareed will assume hosting responsibilities in Melvin's absence.
NBC News is intensively covering the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, which has been a prominent story across national media, including ABC’s "World News Tonight." Reports indicate signs of forced entry were present at the Arizona property, intensifying concern for her safety. Savannah Guthrie has characterized her mother as a woman of faith and a foundational source of strength for their family.
This situation introduces considerable uncertainty for NBC’s programming during the Games, an event that traditionally demands seamless and high-profile broadcasting. The evolving circumstances require agility in broadcast lineups and presenter replacements to maintain coverage quality amidst a sensitive personal crisis overshadowing the network’s flagship event.