NBC will be without two of its on-air talents in Italy as the Winter Olympics draw nearer. Savannah Guthrie was set to host the opening ceremonies for the Games in Milan Cortina but the Today host is dealing with something far more pressing. Her 84-year-old mother, Nancy, is missing with reports suggesting she may have been kidnapped.
Considering her ongoing search, she’s been pulled from the coverage and won’t be going to Italy. However, there’s another person who won’t be making the trek either.
Today co-host Craig Melvin will no longer attend the Winter Olympics
You’ll be seeing some different faces than you expected for NBC’s Olympics coverage. Craig Melvin will remain stateside, according to the network’s press release. He was slated to Olympic Late Night in Milan from February 7 to February 9.
Craig, like everyone at the network and Today, has been very emotional since Nancy’s disappearance was revealed. The Today co-host said that he and everyone have been praying for Nancy’s safe return, adding that’s something that “Savannah and the family needs to hear.” He reflected on a message his pastor once said. “It’s easy to be faithful when you’re at the mountaintop, but the God of the mountain is the God of the valley,” said Craig.
Replacing Savannah for the opening ceremony coverage will be Mary Carillo, working her 17th Olympic Games. She’ll co-host Friday’s festivities alongside Terry Gannon. Meanwhile, Ahmed Fareed will replace Craig on Olympic Late Night. He had been scheduled originally to be a daytime host for the festivities.
This week, Savannah and her family released a video pleading for the return of their mother. She said that they are ready to talk with those who may be responsible for Nancy’s disappearance. Savannah did say they need proof of life, though, before that can happen. A ransom note was allegedly sent earlier this week, demanding millions of dollars in Bitcoin.
The Olympics open on February 6 and will conclude on February 22.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK NBC’S RATINGS WILL STRUGGLE AT THE OLYMPICS WITHOUT CRAIG MELVIN AND SAVANNAH GUTHRIE?
