Tucson, Arizona – Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show, and her siblings have issued a public plea for the safe return of their 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing since . The family released a tearful video statement on Wednesday, , directly addressing potential abductors and appealing for any information regarding her whereabouts.
In the video, posted to Instagram, Guthrie stated, “We need to know, 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.” The plea comes amid reports of unverified ransom notes circulating among news outlets, including TMZ and CBS affiliate KOLD News, demanding money in exchange for Nancy Guthrie’s release. Authorities have not yet confirmed the authenticity of these notes.
The family’s statement also expressed concern for Nancy Guthrie’s health. “She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive and she needs it not to suffer,” Guthrie said. Her siblings, Annie and Cameron Guthrie, also spoke directly to their mother, with Annie saying, “Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God’s precious daughter, Nancy.”
Law enforcement officials believe Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson. Investigators responded to a 911 call on after family members discovered she was missing when she failed to appear for church. Upon arriving at the residence, authorities found “concerning circumstances,” including evidence of forced entry and blood droplets near the front door, suggesting a possible abduction.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated on , that investigators were still working to locate Nancy Guthrie and had not identified a suspect or person of interest. Sheriff Nanos cautioned against the spread of unverified information, stating, “While we appreciate the public’s concern, the sharing of unverified accusations or false information is irresponsible and does not assist the investigation.”
The FBI has joined the investigation, assisting local law enforcement in analyzing the potential ransom notes and narrowing the focus on individuals known to Nancy Guthrie. According to law enforcement sources, investigators are examining the details contained within the notes to determine if they align with the evidence found at the scene.
Savannah Guthrie described her mother as a “kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving” woman, emphasizing her importance to the family. “Our mom is our heart and our home,” she said. “She is 84 years old. Her health, her heart, is fragile. … We will not rest, your children will not rest, until we are together again.”
Authorities have confirmed that Nancy Guthrie has limited mobility and requires medication to manage her pain. The family’s plea for communication with potential abductors appears to be a strategy to establish direct contact and ensure their mother’s well-being, according to former FBI deputy director and CNN law enforcement analyst Andrew McCabe, who suggested this approach is not typically taken if negotiations are already underway with confirmed abductors.
As of today, , the search for Nancy Guthrie continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward. The case has drawn significant media attention, and the Guthrie family remains hopeful for her safe return.
