Savannah Guthrie LeftTodayShow Broadcast Early — and Her Reason Involves Tom Hanks!

Mar. 15, 2025

Savannah Guthrie.Photo:Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty

Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty

Savannah Guthrieleft a segment of theTodayshow early — but it was for good reason.

“Somebody has to leave a little early,” Kotb, 60, said. “This is one of your favorite assignments you do every year.”

“Yes, we’re going to go to theDole Foundation Heroes Galatonight,” Guthrie, 52, shared. “It celebrates military caregivers, the people who care for our veterans, and heroes.Tom Hanksand I are doing our thing again tonight and we’ll see you tomorrow morning onTodaywith all of it.”

She added: “Caregiving is a family affair. It’s so important that we support those who are supporting our veterans — it’s a way that we can help give service as well.”

Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb.Kristy Sparow/Getty Images

Kristy Sparow/Getty Images

Thetradition began in 2019and has continued annually. In its inaugural year, Guthrie told PEOPLE she was excited to host the special for a good cause — and working with Hanks was a perk, too.

“Tom Hanks is just everything you hope he would be," she gushed at the time. “You know, a huge a movie star, but so kind and humble and down-to-earth and kind and funny. I feel so grateful that our paths have crossed with this work with Hidden Heroes.”

She went on to say the Oscar winner “didn’t hesitate for one second” when he was approached about teaming up with Guthrie to shine a light on the caregivers andresources that Hidden Heroes offers.

“He was like, ‘Where, when? I’m there,’” she said. “And that’s how I think we all feel about this cause. Elizabeth Dole launched this a couple years ago, recognizing that our care for the caregivers is not where it should be, and that part of caring for our veterans is caring for those friends and family who are taking care of them every day. And she’s surrounding those caregivers with love, resources and support.”

Tom Hanks.Shannon Finney/Getty Images

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In less than a month, Kotb will be leavingTodayafter 17 years. She and Guthrie, along with Melvin andAl Roker, recentlyshared a bittersweet momentat their finalRockefeller Center tree lightingtogether.

Kotb’s last day hosting will be Friday, Jan. 10, andMelvin will step into her role as co-host with Guthrie, starting on Monday, Jan. 13.

“You are made for this job,” Kotb told Melvin during her on-air announcement on Nov. 14. “You are literally made for this job. You are that kind of good. You have all the things that this job needs. You’re the right person for it.”

source: people.com