In an unexpected shift to its Olympic broadcast lineup, Craig Melvin will no longer travel to Milan for 2026 Winter Olympics coverage. The decision comes as his longtime Today co-host Savannah Guthrie remains in the United States while authorities intensify the search for her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie.
On February 4, NBC confirmed that Melvin—originally scheduled to host Olympic Late Night segments from Milan between February 7 and 9—will stay stateside. Veteran correspondent Ahmed Fareed will step in to handle those duties.
The reshuffle highlights how a deeply personal family emergency has reached into one of the network’s most visible global broadcasts.
Why NBC changed its Olympic lineup?
The changes stem from the January 31 disappearance of Nancy Guthrie at her home near Tucson, Arizona. Law enforcement officials have described the circumstances as suspicious and are treating the situation as more than a routine missing-person case. Authorities believe she may have been taken against her will and continue to request public assistance.
Savannah Guthrie, who had been slated to co-host the Opening Ceremony alongside Terry Gannon, withdrew from the assignment to remain with her family. Her decision prompted a cascade of programming adjustments that ultimately led to Melvin remaining in the U.S. as well.
The revised NBC Olympics plan
NBC moved quickly to ensure continuity in its Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo coverage:
- Mary Carillo will replace Guthrie for the Opening Ceremony
- Ahmed Fareed will take over Melvin’s Late Night hosting duties
- Existing daytime coverage assignments will be redistributed among NBC Sports talent
According to NBC Olympics executive producer Molly Solomon, the network’s priority is supporting Guthrie while maintaining seamless coverage for viewers worldwide.
A personal story unfolding behind the broadcast
On air, Melvin described the situation as “deeply personal for us,” acknowledging the emotional weight felt across the Today team. The hosts have worked side-by-side for years covering major global events, and this crisis has resonated far beyond standard workplace adjustments.
Meanwhile, the search for Nancy Guthrie has expanded, with local and federal investigators reviewing evidence, surveillance footage, and incoming tips. Officials note that she requires daily medication, increasing urgency as time passes.
Public support has poured in from viewers, colleagues, and media figures across networks. Savannah Guthrie has shared messages of gratitude and appeals for prayers as the investigation continues.
What this means for Olympic coverage?
While the Winter Games in Milan and Cortina remain a centerpiece of NBC’s global broadcast calendar, the situation underscores how real-world events can quickly reshape even the most carefully planned productions.
NBC’s ability to call on experienced broadcasters like Carillo and Fareed ensures viewers will see uninterrupted coverage. At the same time, the network’s response reflects a strong show of solidarity with one of its most recognizable anchors during an intensely personal crisis.
As the Olympic flame is lit in Italy, many viewers are also watching developments back home—hoping for answers and a safe resolution for the Guthrie family.
