The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of prominent Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie, has escalated into a major search operation in Tucson, Arizona, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation now involved in the case. Nancy was last seen on Saturday evening near her residence in the Catalina Foothills neighbourhood, according to the Pima County Sheriff's Department.
Intensive Search Operation Underway
Law enforcement agencies have launched a comprehensive search effort across the Tucson region, deploying multiple resources to locate the missing woman. Crews are utilising search dogs, aerial drones, and even the sheriff's department's plane to scour the rugged terrain of the Catalina Foothills. The operation has been described as extensive and urgent, reflecting the seriousness with which authorities are treating Nancy's disappearance.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that the search is currently being treated as a search and rescue mission, but acknowledged that investigators have not ruled out the possibility of foul play. Homicide detectives have been called to assist with the investigation, indicating the complex nature of the case.
Recent Television Appearance
Just months before her disappearance, Nancy Guthrie made a rare television appearance alongside her daughter Annie on the Today show. The segment, which aired in November, featured Savannah Guthrie's emotional return to her hometown of Tucson. During the broadcast, the three women gathered at El Charro, which Savannah described as "the oldest family-owned Mexican restaurant in America" and a favourite family meeting spot.
In the poignant segment, Savannah asked her mother why she had chosen to settle permanently in Tucson. Nancy responded warmly, saying, "It's so wonderful. Just the air, the quality of life is laid back and gentle. I like to watch the hovalina eat my plants." The broadcast now serves as a bittersweet reminder of family connections amid the current crisis.
Family Background and Personal History
Savannah Guthrie has often spoken publicly about her close family relationships, particularly her bond with her mother. In 2023, she revealed how her mother's unwavering faith had sustained her during difficult periods of her life. "When I was in my 30s, I really wished to be married and to be a mom, and things just did not happen that fast for me," Savannah recalled during a Today show segment. "And my mom's confidence that I would be a mom — even as the years ticked by and ticked by and ticked by — meant so much to me."
The television journalist has also been open about the profound impact of losing her father to a heart attack when she was just sixteen years old. In a 2023 podcast appearance, she described grief as "a lifelong process" that fundamentally changed her perspective. "There's before my dad died and there's after, and it's profound," she explained. "I always thought, I have a cup of grief now. It's like a cup of water and I'm going to spend the rest of my life emptying this cup."
Physical Description and Vulnerabilities
Authorities have released a detailed description of Nancy Guthrie to aid the public in identification efforts. She is described as:
- Five-foot-five inches tall
- Approximately 150 pounds in weight
- Brown hair and blue eyes
Investigators have noted that what she was wearing at the time of her disappearance remains unclear. The sheriff's department has classified Nancy as a "vulnerable adult" primarily due to her age and some physical mobility issues, though they emphasised she does not have any cognitive impairments that might affect her ability to recognise her surroundings or seek help.
Public Appeal and Family Statement
During Monday's episode of the Today show, Savannah Guthrie issued a heartfelt statement regarding her mother's disappearance. "I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers, and messages of support," she told viewers. "Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom. We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case and encourage anyone, anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff's office."
The family has provided the sheriff's department contact number (520-351-4900) and is urging anyone with potential information about Nancy's whereabouts to come forward immediately. The involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, underscores the seriousness of the situation and the determination to locate the missing woman.
As the search enters its critical phase, the Guthrie family, colleagues at NBC, and concerned viewers across the nation await developments in this distressing case that has brought together a television personality's public life with a deeply personal family crisis.