Today Show Host Savannah Guthrie Issues Heartfelt Plea Amid Mother's Disappearance
Savannah Guthrie, the prominent co-anchor of NBC's Today show, has made an emotional public appeal for prayers and community assistance as the search for her missing mother enters a critical phase. The 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie was reported missing from her Tucson, Arizona home on Sunday, with investigators now treating the case as a suspected abduction.
Police Investigation Points to Abduction
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated unequivocally on Monday that he believes Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will from her residence. "I believe she was abducted, yes," Sheriff Nanos told CBS News, adding significantly, "She didn't walk from there. She didn't go willingly."
The sheriff's department revealed concerning details about the circumstances surrounding Nancy's disappearance. The elderly woman, who has limited mobility and requires daily medication for health conditions, was last seen on Saturday. She was reported missing on Sunday at noon after failing to attend her regular church service, with her cell phone discovered left behind in her car.
Savannah Guthrie's Emotional Instagram Appeal
In a deeply personal Instagram post shared on Monday evening, Savannah Guthrie expressed her family's faith and hope while appealing for public support. "We believe in prayer. We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope," the television host wrote. "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."
The Today show host, who has been absent from her regular broadcasting duties since her mother's disappearance, concluded her message with a biblical reference from Isaiah: "'He will keep in perfect peace those whose hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.' A verse of Isaiah for all time for all of us. Bring her home."
Today Show Colleagues Express Support
During Tuesday's broadcast of the Today show, co-anchors Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones discussed Savannah's powerful message with evident emotion. Jones revealed, "I went to my phone and I saw Savannah's post, and Savannah's strength gave me strength. Her resolve, her faith."
Fellow presenter Carson Daly added his own heartfelt response, stating, "I saw that post from Savannah last night, I hit my knees and prayed. I don't think I've ever prayed for anything harder in my life."
Race Against Time in Search Operation
Sheriff Nanos emphasised the urgency of the situation during an interview with NBC News correspondent Liz Kreutz on Tuesday's Today show. "It is a race against time, and I hope that window hasn't closed," he stated, highlighting the critical nature of the investigation as it approached the 48-hour mark since Nancy's disappearance.
In a statement reported during the broadcast, Savannah Guthrie expressed gratitude for the public support while maintaining focus on her mother's safe return. "I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers, and messages of support," she said. "Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom."
The Pima County Sheriff's Department has established a dedicated phone line for information related to the case, urging anyone with potential leads to contact them at 520-351-4900. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding Nancy Guthrie's disappearance from her Tucson home.
