Why did Savannah Guthrie abruptly leave the 'Today' show on Wednesday?

Savannah Guthrie sent Today viewers into a bit of a panic Wednesday when she abruptly left 90 minutes into the show.

No explanation ensued, but co-anchor Craig Melvin said, “Savannah had to leave a little early. She’ll be right back tomorrow, though.” True to Melvin's word, Guthrie returned Thursday but did not provide a reasoning for her departure the day prior.

Guthrie missed two months of Today after the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie. The 84-year-old was abducted from her home in Pima County, Arizona, police suspect, and her whereabouts remain unknown. Police are still on the case but no suspects have been identified.

Before returning as co-anchor, Guthrie sat down for an interview with Today and explained why she felt compelled to get back out there amid the family tragedy she's enduring.

“I can’t not come back because it’s my family,” Guthrie said. “I think it’s part of my purpose right now. I want to smile. And when I do, it will be real. And my joy will be my protest. My joy will be my answer. And being there is joyful. And when it’s not, I’ll say so.”

It was business as usual for Guthrie upon her Thursday return to Today. She discussed, among other things, the Legally Blonde prequel series Elle, and how she resonates with Reese Witherspoon's Elle Woods character.

We're wishing the best for Guthrie and her family.