Tucson, Arizona — Authorities in Pima County, Arizona, are investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, 84, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, as a crime, officials announced Monday. The investigation began after Guthrie was reported missing Sunday, and a subsequent search of her home revealed concerning evidence.
Sheriff Chris Nanos stated at a news conference that investigators believe Nancy Guthrie did not leave her home of her own volition. “We know she didn’t just walk out of there,” Nanos said. “She did not leave on her own.”
Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday evening around 9:30 p.m. Near her residence in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson, where she lives alone. A church member contacted the family Sunday morning when Guthrie did not attend services, leading to a welfare check at her home around 11 a.m., according to Nanos.
A 911 call was placed around noon Sunday to report her missing. Detectives were dispatched to the home, a step Nanos described as unusual for a missing person case. “What detectives found at the scene was ‘very concerning,’” he said, leading authorities to classify the home as a crime scene.
Authorities have described the circumstances surrounding Guthrie’s disappearance as suspicious. Nanos emphasized that Guthrie is mentally sharp and her disappearance is not related to dementia. “Nancy Guthrie is of great, sound mind. This is not dementia-related. She is as sharp as a tack,” he stated. Family members have confirmed she is of sound mind and that she did not wander off.
Police currently have Guthrie’s cellphone, according to Nanos. Search and rescue teams, including volunteers, canine units, border patrol agents, and helicopters, were deployed overnight in an effort to locate her.
While the Pima County Sheriff’s Department frequently handles missing person reports, Nanos indicated this case “stood out” due to the evidence found at the home. Guthrie has some physical ailments but no cognitive issues, her family has reported.
Savannah Guthrie addressed the situation Monday morning on the “Today” show, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support. “On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support. Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom,” she said in a statement. She also encouraged anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.
Jenna Bush Hager, also a host on “Today,” revealed Monday that Nancy Guthrie is without the daily medication she needs.
Savannah Guthrie has previously spoken about her close relationship with her mother. She has described how her mother encouraged her to pursue a job at a Montana news station at age 21, even though it meant moving far from home. “It’s not because she didn’t want me to stay. Of course she wanted me to stay,” Savannah Guthrie recalled. “But she’s like, ‘I’m not going to stand in the way of your dreams.’”
Authorities have stated they do not believe there is a threat to the public at this time. The investigation is ongoing, and police are appealing to the public for any information that might lead to Nancy Guthrie’s safe return.
