NBC Olympics says that Mary Carillo will step in to co-host the opening ceremonies of the Milan-Cortina Olympics this weekend, with Savannah Guthrie remaining home to be with her family as the search for her mother, Nancy, continues.
NBC also says that Guthrie’s Today co-host Craig Melvin will remain stateside. Melvin had been set to host NBC’s late night coverage of the coverage of the Olympics, in addition to his Today duties. Ahmed Fareed, who was set to host dayside coverage for NBC Olympics, will step in to replace Melvin.
Carillo, who is in her 17th Olympics assignment, was already slated to be in Milan as a correspondent.
“Our hearts go out to Savannah and the entire Guthrie family. They continue to have our full support,” said Molly Solomon, executive producer and president of NBC Olympics Production. “We are fortunate to have a deep bench of talented commentators who will step in and fill these roles. Mary is one of the most experienced Olympic commentators ever and a master storyteller. She and Terry will lead the American audience through one of the world’s greatest global moments. With his skill and versatility, Ahmed has proven time and again he can step into any hosting role, and we’re thrilled he’s available to handle our late night coverage before heading to Los Angeles for NBA All-Star Weekend.”
NBC’s Olympics coverage actually begins Wednesday with mixed doubles curling. The opening ceremony will take place Friday.
NBC has has to scramble in response to the shocking disappearance, with NBC News providing frequent updates to viewers.
Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother to Savannah, was reported missing on Sunday. NBC confirmed the Today co-host’s Olympic duties were on hold amid the search on Tuesday.
Arizona’s Pima County Sheriff’s Department said Nancy’s disappearance is being treated as a crime scene, with the FBI involved, and that the elder Guthrie was likely taken against her will in a “possible kidnapping or abduction.” The search entered its fourth day on Wednesday.
More to come.
