The mother of NBC “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie has been reported missing from her Arizona home, with authorities suspecting she was abducted while sleeping over the weekend, prompting an intensive criminal investigation.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her residence in the Catalina Foothills northeast of Tucson on Saturday evening, February 1, 2026. Family members became concerned when she failed to attend church services on Sunday morning, leading to a 911 call around noon that day. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department immediately launched a search, utilizing ground teams, drones, search dogs, and support from Border Patrol and volunteer groups.
By Monday, February 2, Sheriff Chris Nanos declared the home a crime scene, indicating that Nancy did not leave on her own accord. “I believe she was abducted, yes,” Nanos stated in an interview with CBS News, emphasizing that evidence points to a possible kidnapping in the middle of the night. The sheriff described Nancy as having very limited mobility and suffering from physical ailments that require daily medication, which could be fatal if not taken within 24 hours.
Investigators have found suspicious circumstances at the home, though specific details have not been disclosed to protect the ongoing inquiry. Nanos noted that Nancy is of sound mind and “sharp as a tack,” ruling out the possibility that she wandered off. The involvement of the homicide team, which is not standard in missing person cases, underscores the severity of the situation.
Savannah Guthrie, who co-hosts NBC’s “Today” show, issued a statement on Monday expressing gratitude for the public’s support and urging anyone with information to contact authorities. “Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom,” she said. Guthrie, who grew up in Tucson and maintains strong ties to the area, has been in Arizona coordinating with the sheriff’s department, though she was absent from the “Today” broadcast on Monday.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office has offered a $2,500 reward for tips leading to an arrest in the case, highlighting the urgency of the investigation. Nanos has pleaded with the community to come forward with any sightings or information, stressing that time is critical due to Nancy’s medical needs. “We don’t need another bad, tragic ending — we need some help,” he said during a news conference.
Authorities are reviewing security camera footage from the home and conducting DNA testing, though processing delays in southern Arizona have slowed some aspects of the investigation. Nanos confirmed that there are no known threats against Savannah Guthrie that might be related to her mother’s disappearance, and the department is coordinating with her security team.
The case has drawn national attention, with multiple news outlets reporting on the developments within the last 24 hours. The Los Angeles Times and Arizona’s Family, among others, have provided consistent accounts of the events, cross-verified through official statements and press conferences. This unified reporting underscores the reliability of the information and the ongoing nature of the search.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on locating Nancy Guthrie safely. The community’s assistance is seen as vital, with authorities emphasizing that any detail, no matter how small, could be key. The outcome of this case will depend on collaborative efforts between law enforcement and the public, with hopes for a resolution that brings Nancy home unharmed.
