Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC's "Today" show, left the program early on Monday due to a "family emergency," according to a statement from NBC News. Guthrie's co-host, Hoda Kotb, was also absent from the show. The exact reason for Kotb's absence was not disclosed.

Guthrie's departure from the show came in the middle of an interview with former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, which was taken over by co-host Craig Melvin. Melvin told viewers that Guthrie had to leave for a family emergency and that he was taking over for the rest of the broadcast.

The news of Guthrie and Kotb's absence comes just days after it was announced that long-time weatherman Al Roker would be leaving the show at the end of the year. Roker has been with the "Today" show for more than 40 years.

NBC News did not provide any further information on Guthrie or Kotb's absence from the show, and it is not yet known when either anchor will return. It is also unclear if Guthrie's absence is related to Roker's departure from the show.

Despite Guthrie and Kotb's absence, the "Today" show continued with a mix of news, weather, and human-interest stories. The show has been a staple of morning television for more than 65 years, and it remains one of the most-watched programs in the United States.