In a desperate appeal, NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have publicly offered to pay ransom for the safe return of their 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, who authorities believe was kidnapped from her Arizona home last weekend.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in Tucson on the evening of 31 January 2026. Her disappearance was noticed the next day when she failed to attend Sunday church services, prompting concerns from her community. Law enforcement quickly concluded that she was taken against her will, citing evidence such as a disconnected doorbell camera and the deactivation of her pacemaker’s monitoring app in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The investigation, led by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI, has yet to identify any suspects or persons of interest. Authorities have described the case as a kidnapping and are treating it with high priority. A $50,000 reward has been offered for information leading to Nancy’s safe return, and the FBI is reviewing ransom notes sent to several media outlets, including local TV station KOLD.
On Saturday, 7 February, Savannah Guthrie posted a video on Instagram alongside her siblings Cameron and Annie. In the emotional plea, she stated, “We received your message and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.” This marked the family’s direct response to the alleged kidnappers’ demands.
The ransom notes, received by multiple news organizations, reportedly demand a substantial sum in cryptocurrency, making tracing difficult. According to reports, the messages contained specific deadlines and monetary values. The FBI has arrested one individual in connection with a fake ransom note, but the authenticity of the latest communications is still under scrutiny.
Nancy Guthrie’s health adds urgency to the situation. She suffers from a heart condition and relies on a pacemaker, and her family has emphasized that she is without necessary medication. Savannah Guthrie previously warned that her mother needs medicine “to survive” and “not to suffer,” heightening fears for her well-being.
The case has drawn national attention, with US President Donald Trump offering federal assistance and expressing optimism about strong clues. Despite this, investigators remain cautious. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated that while they believe Nancy is still alive, no breakthroughs have been made, and everyone is considered a suspect.
As the search continues, law enforcement is following leads, including a vehicle of interest captured on surveillance footage from a convenience store. The community in Tucson has been left in shock, with neighbors expressing disbelief over the abduction. The Guthrie family’s public appeals underscore their desperation, hoping that the offer to pay will secure Nancy’s release and bring her home safely.
