In Tucson, Arizona, Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC's "Today" show, publicly appealed for proof that her mother, Nancy Guthrie, who has been reported missing, is alive and under the custody of whoever took her. In a pre-recorded message shared on social media, Guthrie emphasized her family's willingness to communicate with those holding her mother, expressing the need for undeniable confirmation to guard against misinformation in today's digital age, where images and voices can be easily fabricated.
Guthrie stated, "We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. 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." The family's statement follows media reports indicating the existence of a ransom letter connected to Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.
Law enforcement officials have been investigating the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who was last seen on Saturday evening after being dropped off at her Tucson home following a family dinner. She was expected at church the following day but did not arrive, prompting a missing person report by midday Sunday.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has highlighted that while concerns arose regarding a possible pattern of elder abductions in the area, investigators do not believe this case fits such a scenario. Instead, authorities conclude that Nancy Guthrie was removed from her residence against her will. Evidence of forced entry was found at her home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood, reinforcing this assessment.
The sheriff has referred to available surveillance footage as part of the investigation but has withheld further details. Officials continue to interview those who had contact with Nancy Guthrie over the relevant weekend; however, as of now, no suspects or persons of interest have been publicly identified. The family has regained access to the home, which had been secured during the active investigation phase.
Additional context from sheriff’s dispatch recordings indicates Nancy Guthrie has limited mobility and health conditions including high blood pressure, a pacemaker, and heart issues, complicating concerns about her welfare. Desert terrain around the area, featuring dense vegetation such as mesquite trees and cholla cacti, presents challenges for search operations, according to a seasoned search-and-rescue commander not involved in the case.
Multiple media outlets received purported ransom letters and forwarded them to law enforcement, although officials have declined to offer further statements on these developments. Meanwhile, community support has been shown, including a $25,000 reward from Victory Church in Albany, New York, aiming to aid in finding Nancy Guthrie, with church leadership noting the family's faith and character.
In Washington, the White House confirmed that President Donald Trump spoke with Savannah Guthrie on Wednesday, offering personal support amid the ongoing situation.
Amid these events, NBC's "Today" show has kept Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance as a lead story for several days, though Savannah Guthrie herself has been absent from the anchor desk. NBC Sports has announced that Guthrie will not cover the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, citing her focus on family during this period of difficulty.
Background information notes that Savannah Guthrie grew up in Tucson and is an alumna of the University of Arizona. Her connection to Tucson is longstanding, with her family having settled there in the 1970s. She credits her mother with keeping the family unified, especially following the premature death of her father when she was 16 years old.