Authorities are concerned that the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie, the host of NBC’s Today show, may have been abducted, taken against her will, or kidnapped. The sheriff emphasized the urgency of finding her promptly as she requires medication to survive. Nancy Guthrie was last spotted at her residence in the Tucson, Arizona area on Saturday evening and was reported missing by her family the following day. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is exploring the possibility that she was forcibly taken overnight.
Due to her limited mobility, officials do not believe Guthrie left voluntarily. Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that Guthrie was mentally sound and not suffering from dementia. He stressed that the family wants to dispel any notion that she wandered off independently. During a news conference, Nanos and the Tucson FBI chief appealed to the public for information but did not disclose significant new developments in the case. Nanos refused to disclose whether the disappearance was targeted or random and refrained from discussing the evidence found at Guthrie’s residence.
Responding to questions about Guthrie’s condition, Nanos expressed hope that she is still alive. Family members initiated the search after being alerted by a church member who noticed Guthrie’s absence. It is vital that Guthrie receives her daily medication, as advised by the sheriff, who urged whoever is holding her to release her. Search efforts, utilizing drones and search dogs, are underway, with support from volunteers, Border Patrol, and the homicide team, an unusual involvement in such cases. The FBI has also offered assistance in the investigation.
Sheriff Nanos mentioned that the peculiar circumstances at the scene prompted the homicide team’s involvement and did not rule out foul play. Although search teams have been scaled back, a sheriff’s helicopter scouted the area near Guthrie’s home. Savannah Guthrie expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support in a statement and emphasized the family’s primary focus on Nancy’s safe return. The Today show featured news of the mother’s disappearance, with Savannah Guthrie currently in Arizona, where she has roots, having grown up in Tucson, graduated from the University of Arizona, and previously worked at a local TV station.
Nancy Guthrie had appeared in a story with her daughter in November 2025 discussing their family’s history in Tucson. She fondly spoke of the area’s relaxed atmosphere and wildlife, including javelinas that occasionally visit her property.