Savannah Guthrie has returned to the Today show, for the first time since her mother disappeared.
The search for 84 year-old Nancy Guthrie has entered its second month, after she was reported missing when she did not attend a church service at the beginning of February.
Outside the NBC Rockefeller Centre studios on Monday, an emotional Savannah greeted a cheering crowd.
“These signs are so beautiful,” she said, “you guys have been so beautiful. I received so many letters, so much kindness to me and my family. “We feel your prayers. Thank you so much.”
The Guthrie family have repeatedly thanked supporters for “continuing to pray without ceasing” as the investigation into their missing mother continues.
Savannah, in an Easter Sunday video for her New York church, explained that she felt “moments of deep disappointment with God, the feeling of utter abandonment”.
She said the resurrection is not fully celebrated “if we do not acknowledge the feelings of loss, pain, and yes, death”.
“When we celebrate today, this is what we celebrate, and I celebrate, too. I still believe, and so I say with conviction, ‘Happy Easter’”, Savannah added.
Authorities believe Nancy was kidnapped, having last been seen on the evening of 31 January. No suspects have been identified, despite alleged ransom notes and DNA evidence being found. Doorbell footage of an armed and masked person outside her house has also not progressed the search further.
A Guthrie family statement released in March said: “We miss our mom with every breath, and we cannot be in peace until she is home. We cannot grieve; we can only ache and wonder. We want to celebrate her beautiful and courageous life, but we cannot do that until she is brought to a final place of rest.”