TODAY viewers are waking up to a slew of new faces on the Wednesday, July 8 broadcast.
At the very top of the NBC news show, starting with the 7-9 AM morning hours, Craig Melvin was joined on the regular hosting panel by Sheinelle Jones.
© Getty ImagesTODAY replacements on July 8
Sheinelle stepped in for Savannah Guthrie, with Craig simply noting that Savannah was "off," without offering much explanation.
Later on in the show, meteorologist Angie Lassman appeared to deliver the day's weather updates, in place of Al Roker, who was also noted as simply being "off" for the day.
For the show's pop culture segments, Pop Start, a new face joined once again, this time Kaylee Hartung replacing Carson Daly. Finally, on the show's Third Hour, beginning at 9 AM, Craig was joined instead by Laura Jarrett and Savannah Sellers, replacing Al and Dylan Dreyer.
Why are the TODAY hosts absent?
No reason was given for the absences of any of the anchors, with Craig noting at each instance that his co-workers had simply taken the day off, with usual reasons spanning health updates, other work/network commitments, being on assignment, or holiday time.
Carson, notably, also divides his time between New York and Los Angeles as the host of NBC's singing competition The Voice, which returns with its milestone 30th season on September 21.
© NBC / TODAYSeveral of the anchors, including Savannah, Craig, Al and Dylan, were on-air on Saturday as well for the special 4th of July broadcast, taping from the shores of Governors Island, which could also explain the absences.
Savannah Guthrie's absences
Savannah in particular has taken more time off over the past few months, owing in particular to caring for her family following the chilling disappearance of her mother Nancy Guthrie.
The 84-year-old was believed to have been kidnapped from her home in Tucson, Arizona and was reported missing on February 1. The case has received global attention, with the FBI now leading the investigation alongside the local Pima County Sheriff's Department.
© Getty ImagesSavannah took all of February and March off from TODAY to remain with her family both in Arizona and New York City before emotionally returning following Easter to her NBC family.
Her last public statement on the disappearance of Nancy was made to Arizona-based KOLD 13 News on July 1 with regards to it being five months since her absence. "It is five months of agony and unending trauma for our family," she told the outlet.
© Getty Images"There is not a moment that goes by that we aren't actively trying to find our mom," Savannah continued. "We thank the people of Tucson for holding her in their hearts, as well as both the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff's Office for their tireless work on behalf of our family. Bring her home."
