Police Suspect Abduction of Today Show Host Savannah Guthrie's Mother in Arizona Home
Authorities in Arizona have launched an intensive investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of prominent Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. Police now suspect she was abducted from her residence in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson over the weekend, with concerning evidence discovered at the scene.
Disturbing Evidence Points to Forced Entry and Possible Kidnapping
According to law enforcement sources cited by the Los Angeles Times, signs of forced entry and blood were found at Nancy Guthrie's home, where she was last seen around 9:30 PM on Saturday. The Pima County Sheriff's Office has stated that investigators believe she was taken against her will, possibly during the night while she was sleeping.
Chris Nanos, the Pima County Sheriff, emphasised the urgency of the situation during a press conference on Monday. He highlighted that Nancy Guthrie has limited physical mobility and requires regular, life-saving medication. "If she's alive right now her meds are vital – I can't stress that enough," Nanos said, adding that without her medication, her condition could become fatal.
Family and Authorities Mobilise Search Efforts
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing by her family at approximately midday on Sunday after a member of her church contacted a relative to say she had not attended services. Relatives went to check on her at home and subsequently alerted officials when it became clear she was not there.
Sheriff Nanos was keen to dispel any notions that this might be a case of someone wandering off due to cognitive issues. "This is not dementia-related," he asserted. "She's as sharp as a tack. The family wants everyone to know that this isn't someone who just wandered off."
Search efforts have involved:
- Drones and search dogs deployed across the area.
- Support from volunteers and border patrol agents.
- Review of video footage from the home and neighbourhood cameras.
However, by Monday afternoon, search crews were pulled back as the focus shifted. "We don't see this as a search mission so much as it is a crime scene," Nanos explained. "We saw some things at the home that were concerning to us. We believe now that we do in fact have a crime scene, and we're asking the community's help."
Today Show Host Savannah Guthrie Responds to Family Crisis
Savannah Guthrie, who has co-anchored NBC's Today show since 2012, has cancelled plans to travel to Milan, Italy, to cover the Winter Olympics opening ceremony and is now in Arizona. She has been absent from the show for two consecutive days as she deals with this family emergency.
On Monday, Savannah Guthrie posted a heartfelt, religion-themed statement on Instagram, appealing for prayers and support. "We believe in prayer," she wrote. "We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope. We believe in goodness. We believe in humanity. Above all, we believe in Him."
She continued, "Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. Praise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment. We need you."
Background on the Guthrie Family and Tucson Connections
Savannah Guthrie grew up in Tucson and has often spoken about her close bond with her mother, especially after the death of her father, Charles, when she was just 16 years old. She is a graduate of the University of Arizona and previously worked as a reporter and anchor at KVOA-TV in her hometown.
In a poignant reflection of their relationship, Nancy Guthrie appeared in a story her daughter produced in November 2025. Over a meal, Savannah asked her mother what made the family decide to plant roots in Tucson in the 1970s. Nancy Guthrie replied, "It's so wonderful. Just the air, the quality of life. It's laid back and gentle."
The investigation remains active, with authorities setting up a tipline and an online request for evidence. A reward of $2,500 has been offered for information leading to the arrest of those involved in her disappearance. The FBI has also offered assistance, and homicide detectives are involved in the case, indicating the serious nature of the inquiry.
