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Family appeals for proof of life amid kidnapping probe
NBC Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie has made an emotional public plea for the safe return of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, who vanished from her Arizona home under suspicious circumstances over the weekend. Authorities suspect kidnapping and are investigating a possible ransom note.
The disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her residence in the Catalina Foothills-a wealthy neighborhood approximately 10 kilometers northeast of Tucson-on Saturday evening around 9:30 p.m. local time. Family members dropped her off at home, but she failed to attend Sunday morning church services, prompting her congregation to alert relatives.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told reporters detectives discovered a scene inside the home that raised "grave concern," though he declined to provide specifics. "We do believe that Nancy was taken from her home against her will," he stated.
Family's emotional appeal
In a video posted Wednesday night on Instagram, Savannah Guthrie, flanked by siblings Annie and Cameron, directly addressed the captors. "We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen," she said. "Please reach out to us."
The family acknowledged awareness of an alleged ransom note sent to at least one media outlet but stressed the need for irrefutable proof that Nancy Guthrie is alive. "We live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated," Savannah Guthrie said. "We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her."
"Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. Everyone is looking for you, mommy. Everywhere. We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again."
Savannah Guthrie
Annie Guthrie described the family's anguish: "The light is missing from our lives. Momma, if you are listening we need you to come home. We miss you."
Health concerns and investigation
Savannah Guthrie disclosed that her mother suffers from chronic pain and requires daily medication to survive. "Her health, her heart is fragile," she said. "She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer."
Sheriff Nanos confirmed an intensive search involving K-9 units, drones, helicopters, and federal agents. The FBI is assisting local authorities, though no suspects or persons of interest have been identified. Officials urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information about the case.
Political and public response
Former U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on the case via Truth Social, announcing he had directed all federal law enforcement agencies to support the investigation. "I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family's, and Local Law Enforcement's, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY," he wrote. "The nation is praying for her family."
The community has rallied around the Guthrie family. A historic Tucson church organized a prayer vigil Wednesday evening, while NBC colleagues expressed solidarity. Molly Solomon, president of NBC Olympics Production, said in a statement: "Our hearts go out to Savannah and the entire Guthrie family. They continue to have our full support."
Savannah Guthrie, who joined NBC in 2007 and became Today co-anchor in 2012, stepped away from her scheduled role hosting the Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Milan. Mary Carillo will replace her, the network confirmed.
Next steps
The FBI and Pima County Sheriff's Office continue to interview witnesses and analyze evidence. Authorities have not disclosed whether blood was found at the scene. The public is asked to report any information to local law enforcement.
