Family Pleads for Return of Missing ‘Today’ Show Host’s Mother
Tucson, Arizona – The family of Savannah Guthrie, co-host of NBC’s Today show, issued a tearful plea on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, for the safe return of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing since Sunday, February 1, 2026. Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her home near Tucson.
In a nearly four-minute video posted to Instagram, Savannah Guthrie, along with her siblings Annie and Camron, addressed a possible kidnapper directly. “We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us,” Savannah Guthrie said, reading from prepared remarks.
The plea came after reports surfaced that several newsrooms, including TMZ and CBS affiliate KOLD News, had received unverified ransom notes. The FBI is currently working with local Arizona law enforcement on the investigation. Savannah Guthrie acknowledged the reports, stating, “We, too, have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media.” However, she added a note of caution, acknowledging the potential for manipulation of images and voices.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, that investigators believe Nancy Guthrie, who has limited mobility, “was taken” from her home. He reiterated on Wednesday that the primary mission was to find Nancy Guthrie alive. “We don’t know where [Nancy Guthrie] is,” Nanos said.
Savannah Guthrie described her mother as “a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light,” adding that she is “funny, spunky and clever.” She emphasized the importance of her mother’s well-being, noting that she lives in constant pain and is without necessary medication. “She needs it to survive, and she needs it not to suffer,” Guthrie said.
The family expressed their unwavering determination to find Nancy Guthrie. “We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again,” Savannah Guthrie vowed in the video. Her sister and brother stood alongside her, sharing messages of love for their mother.
Investigators have been reviewing surveillance video from nearby homes and analyzing data from mobile phone towers. They are also investigating the legitimacy of the reported ransom notes, one of which was received by ABC Tucson affiliate KGUN and forwarded to law enforcement.
No suspect or person of interest has been identified as of Wednesday, February 4, 2026, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. The investigation is ongoing.
