Savannah Guthrie makes brief emotional return to US Today show as mum Nancy Guthrie remains missing

Savannah Guthrie made a brief and emotional return to the US Today show studios in New York's Rockefeller Centre.

The US TV personality has been off-air for a little more than a month, since the suspected kidnapping of her mum Nancy Guthrie.

Savannah's visit was an off-camera one and a chance to catch up with her colleagues, who she was seen hugging tightly and speaking to as she wiped away tears.

Want the official inside scoop on MAFS, unfiltered and unseen? Watch After The Dinner Party here

The 54-year-old, who was born in Melbourne, has been dealing with the disappearance of her elderly mother after the 84-year-old was taken from her home in Tucson, Arizona, 33 days ago.

NBC, in its first comments about Savannah's future on the breakfast TV show, said the long-time co-host "plans to return" at some point but "remains focused right now supporting her family and working to help bring Nancy home".

Former co-host Hoda Kotb returned to the show to fill in for Savannah, who was also forced to skip Milano Cortina 2026, where she'd been scheduled to be part of NBC's Winter Olympics coverage.

"Savannah Guthrie stopped by the studio this morning to be with and thank her TODAY colleagues," NBC said.

READ MORE: Britney Spears arrested for alleged drink driving

READ MORE: Kyle Sandilands seen for first time since radio break-up with Jackie O

READ MORE: Jules Neale wears stunning revenge dress at F1 event

"While she plans to return to the show on air, she remains focused right now supporting her family and working to help bring Nancy home."

After waving goodbye to her colleagues, fans stopped the presenter on her way out to offer their well-wishes in a case that's gripped the nation.

Jenna Bush Hager, the daughter of former US President George W Bush, told viewers Savannah "hugged every single person in this room", while talking about the visit during the 10am hour of the show.

"She said that, you know, she has the intention to return to the show — even though it feels like the hardest thing to do, it's also her home and where she feels so loved, and she is beyond loved here," Hager said.

"Whenever you are ready, we are here," co-host Sheinelle Jones said.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home outside Tucson on January 31 and was reported missing the following day.

Authorities believe the 84-year-old was kidnapped, abducted or otherwise taken against her will.

The Guthrie family has offered a $US1 million ($1.43 million) reward for information leading to the recovery of their mother, but solid information in the case has been hard to come by.

- Reported with Associated Press and CNN.

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.