Hoda Kotb is set to remain in Savannah Guthrie’s seat on NBC’s Today for the time being as the search for Guthrie’s missing mother enters its fourth week.

Sources say the network is managing both Guthrie’s continued absence and speculation about her future on the programme. Guthrie stepped away from her duties after her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, disappeared. She remains in Tucson, Arizona, during the ongoing search.

Kotb, who left Today just over a year ago, returned to Studio 1A to co-anchor alongside Craig Melvin following the family emergency. “At the moment, we’re taking things week by week, day by day,” a source said. “Hoda has been a steady hand, and calm presence for the staff.”

Despite her return, there are no plans for Kotb to resume the role permanently. She is focused on her lifestyle venture, Joy 101, and her family. Melvin had replaced Kotb as co-anchor prior to Guthrie’s absence.

Guthrie was forced to withdraw from hosting the Winter Olympics opening ceremony and the first week of coverage in Milan. She also missed NBC’s State of the Union broadcast. Kotb and Melvin remained in the United States rather than travelling to Italy.

Staff members have reportedly sought to maintain morale during what insiders describe as a difficult period. “If anything, this incredibly heartbreaking situation has reinforced the strength of the ‘Today’ family,” one insider said. “Everyone, from top down is focused on supporting Savannah and her family, and also doing the best job possible, because that’s what she would do. She is just so missed by everyone.”

Ratings have risen sharply in recent weeks, with Today drawing 3.4 million viewers, up 26 per cent year-on-year, alongside gains for Nightly News.