Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, remains missing as of February 4, 2026, with authorities treating her disappearance as a possible abduction or kidnapping from her home near Tucson, Arizona.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has confirmed the case escalated to a criminal investigation after her home was declared a crime scene. Investigators believe she was taken against her will, likely in the middle of the night between January 31 and February 1, 2026.
Evidence includes DNA samples (belonging to Nancy) collected from the home, droplets of blood found inside and outside the residence, signs of forced entry, and a disrupted or ripped-off Ring camera. No suspects have been identified, and DNA results processed so far have not pointed to any individuals.
The motive remains unclear, with officials not ruling out but also not confirming a ransom-related plot.
Alleged ransom notes — including one reportedly demanding a substantial amount in cryptocurrency (Bitcoin) and sent to media outlets like TMZ and local stations — are under active investigation by the sheriff's office and authorities. Multiple news organizations have referenced these communications, though details on authenticity or demands vary.
Nancy was last seen around 9:30–9:45 p.m. on January 31 after family dropped her off at home. She failed to appear at church the next morning, prompting a welfare check and her being reported missing around noon Sunday.
Her cellphone, wallet, car, and essential medications were left behind, and due to her physical health conditions (limiting mobility), officials say she could not have left voluntarily and urgently needs her medication.
Savannah Guthrie has publicly asked for prayers for her mother's safe return, sharing a statement on social media, and has withdrawn from NBC's coverage of the Winter Olympics to focus on the situation.
The FBI is involved, hundreds of leads are being pursued, and search efforts continue, though ground search-and-rescue was paused to prioritize the criminal probe.
Authorities emphasize the need for her quick recovery given her age and medical needs, and have urged anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff's Department.