Mary Carillo to Host Winter Olympics Opening as Savannah Guthrie Attends to Family

2 months ago 0

NBC has announced that sportscaster and former professional tennis player Mary Carillo will take on the hosting duties for the opening of the Winter Olympics this weekend, replacing Savannah Guthrie. This change comes as Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, has been reported missing since she was last seen at her Arizona home last Saturday evening. A family member alerted the authorities on Sunday around noon, as confirmed by Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.

Originally, Savannah Guthrie was scheduled to co-host the opening ceremony for the Winter Olympics on Friday in Milan, Italy. These games are set to occur from February 6 to February 22.

“Our hearts go out to Savannah and the entire Guthrie family. They continue to have our full support,”

Molly Solomon, the executive producer and president of NBC Olympics Production, expressed her support according to the Hollywood Reporter. She added,

“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.”

Carillo is set to join NBC Sports correspondent Terry Gannon in co-hosting the opening ceremony, promising to guide the American audience through this significant global event.

The changing plans also affect correspondent Ahmed Fareed, initially slated to take charge of Olympic daytime coverage. Fareed will now anchor the Olympic Late Night in place of Guthrie’s fellow ‘Today’ co-host, Craig Melvin, who will remain in New York for the morning show duties during Guthrie’s absence.

Molly Solomon highlighted Fareed’s adaptability and praised his ability to handle diverse hosting roles, expressing excitement for his involvement with the late-night coverage. After the Olympics, Fareed is expected to head to Los Angeles for the NBA All-Star Weekend.

While the unexpected circumstances regarding Savannah Guthrie’s family are concerning, NBC is confident in the team stepping up to continue the network’s tradition of covering the Olympics thoroughly and engagingly.