Savannah guthrie's mother

Checked on February 5, 2026
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Executive summary

Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has been missing since late Jan. 31 and investigators are treating the disappearance as a possible kidnapping while racing against time because of her fragile health and need for medication [1] [2]. Her children have made a public plea and law enforcement—including federal agents—have joined a multi-agency search as reports of ransom demands and physical evidence at the home add urgency to the inquiry [3] [1] [4].

1. The disappearance: last seen and reported missing

Family members report Nancy Guthrie was last seen being dropped off at her Tucson-area home on the night of Jan. 31 and was reported missing the next day when she failed to appear at church and could not be located, triggering a 911 call and a search by local authorities [1] [2] [5].

2. Why investigators fear this is an abduction

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said investigators believe Nancy did not leave voluntarily, describing the home as a “crime scene” and noting signs that led them to move the case toward an apparent abduction, though officials have not publicly identified suspects or detailed the number of people who may be involved [2] [6] [5].

3. The medical urgency driving the search

Authorities and the family stress that Nancy Guthrie has significant health problems—high blood pressure, a pacemaker and other cardiac issues—and that medication left at the home could be fatal if she goes without it, making a prompt recovery essential to her survival [6] [7].

4. Family plea and the public appeal for proof

Savannah Guthrie, flanked by her siblings in an emotional Instagram video, publicly urged whoever has their mother to provide proof she is alive and said the family is “ready to talk,” while also sharing personal descriptions of Nancy as a “kind, faithful” woman and appealing for prayers and information [3] [8] [9].

5. Evidence reported at the scene and investigative steps

Media reports indicate investigators returned to Nancy Guthrie’s home with canine units and the FBI has been involved as part of a broader federal response; outlets also report dried blood droplets and other concerning signs found at the residence, but officials have not released full forensic details to the public [1] [10] [6].

6. Ransom notes, conflicting reports and political attention

Multiple outlets report alleged ransom notes were sent to news organizations, prompting the family’s public outreach to seek verification that Nancy is alive; the situation drew national attention and statements from political figures signaling federal assistance, though law enforcement has cautioned that many details remain unconfirmed by investigators [11] [3] [8].

7. What remains unknown and how reporting frames it

Key facts remain unresolved in available reporting: authorities have not identified a person of interest or confirmed the authenticity of alleged ransom communications, and public accounts vary on specific forensic findings—reporters cite what investigators describe as “concerning” items at the scene without full disclosure of evidence or motive [4] [2] [5]. Coverage has spotlighted the family’s celebrity connection, which accelerates national attention and may shape both investigative resources and media narratives; reporting sources range from local law enforcement briefings to national outlets, each with limited access to investigative specifics [1] [6] [8].

8. The immediate horizon for the investigation

Investigators say they are working around the clock and have appealed to the public for tips, while the family continues to press for proof of life and has temporarily curtailed Savannah Guthrie’s screen appearances to focus on locating their mother; beyond public appeals and expanded law enforcement involvement, reporting does not yet provide a clear timeline or lead likely to resolve the case imminently [6] [7] [1].

Want to dive deeper?
What confirmed evidence have police released about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance since Feb. 5, 2026?
How do investigators validate ransom notes and proof-of-life claims in kidnapping cases?
How has media coverage of high-profile missing-person cases influenced resource allocation and public perception?