Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Nancy, is missing in a possible kidnapping; Family and Police Urge Public Help

TUCSON, Ariz. — Authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the disappearance of 84‑year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, after concluding someone likely took her from her Arizona home against her will. Law enforcement and the family are appealing to the public for help and prayers as they search for the missing woman.

Nancy Guthrie, a resident of the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson, last appeared at her home on the evening of Saturday, January 31, when family members left her after dinner around 9:30 p.m. She did not attend church the following day, prompting friends and relatives to raise the alarm, which quickly led to a missing‑persons report.

Evidence Suggests Possible Abduction

Officials from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department now believe someone took Nancy from her residence “possibly in the middle of the night,” citing concerning signs inside the home. Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators treat the situation as a crime scene rather than a routine missing‑persons case, noting that she did not leave voluntarily.

“This is an elderly woman with physical ailments and limited mobility,” Sheriff Nanos said. “She could not have walked out of that home on her own.” Authorities confirmed that Nancy has no cognitive issues such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, which makes the idea that she left voluntarily even less likely.

Law enforcement reported that Nancy left her wallet, cellphone, and vehicle at home, indicating she had no plans to travel. She also requires daily medication that could become life-threatening if she misses a dose, adding urgency to the search.

Broader Investigation and Public Appeal

Pima County investigators have deployed search and rescue teams, drones, K‑9 units, and federal support to locate Nancy. Officials are reviewing surveillance footage, canvassing nearby properties, and seeking community assistance. Sheriff Nanos urged neighbors to check security cameras, saying even indirect footage could provide crucial information.

Investigators advise anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department tip line immediately. “Time is critical,” Sheriff Nanos emphasized, noting Nancy’s medical needs and mobility limitations.

Savannah Guthrie’s Emotional Appeal

Savannah Guthrie, a familiar face on morning television, publicly addressed her mother’s disappearance for the first time. In a heartfelt Instagram post shared late Monday, February 2, she called for prayers, hope, and unity as the family continues the search.

“We believe in prayer. We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope,” Guthrie wrote. “Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy … Raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment. Bring her home.”

Guthrie also cited Isaiah 26:3, a verse about steadfast faith and peace, expressing her family’s reliance on hope during this difficult time.

Savannah missed the Today show on February 2, where colleagues acknowledged the situation and reiterated the family’s gratitude for public support. Co-hosts encouraged viewers to keep Nancy and the family in their thoughts, report any information to law enforcement, and continue praying for her safe return.

Community Support and National Attention

Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance has generated an outpouring of support from viewers, colleagues, and community members. Social media flooded with messages of encouragement and prayers, while public figures amplified the call for help in locating Nancy safely.

Authorities continue to pursue multiple leads, although no suspects have emerged. Nancy’s advanced age, medical concerns, and unexplained disappearance have heightened national attention and media coverage.

What’s Next

Officials plan to release additional details as investigators gather more information. For now, the team focuses on intensive search efforts, analyzing evidence, and engaging the community to locate Nancy and determine what happened in the hours after she went missing.