In a deeply emotional development, Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie has issued a heartfelt public plea for the safe return of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, who vanished from her Arizona home last weekend under suspicious circumstances.
Family's Heartbreaking Video Appeal
Savannah Guthrie, alongside her siblings, released a poignant video on Wednesday night directly addressing anyone potentially holding their mother. "We are ready to talk," Savannah stated in the Instagram video, her voice filled with emotion. "However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive and that you have her."
The family's appeal comes amid reports that multiple news outlets, including TMZ and KGUN 9, have received ransom notes demanding millions of dollars in Bitcoin for Nancy's safe return. Local authorities have acknowledged investigating these notes but have not confirmed their authenticity.
Investigation Details and Disturbing Discoveries
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has confirmed that Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills, outside Tucson, on Saturday night. Investigators believe she was abducted while sleeping and have described her as a "vulnerable adult" with limited mobility but "great sound mind."
Disturbing new evidence has emerged, including video footage showing what appears to be a trail of blood leading from Nancy's front door. Additionally, investigators discovered that a Ring doorbell security camera had been removed from the property by the time police arrived. Sheriff Nanos confirmed that DNA samples have been collected from the home and submitted for analysis, though he declined to provide further details about potential evidence.
High-Profile Response and Community Support
The case has drawn attention at the highest levels, with President Donald Trump announcing Wednesday night that he had spoken with Savannah Guthrie and was "deploying all resources to get her mother home safely." Reports indicate FBI Director Kash Patel is heading to Tucson to assist with the investigation.
Meanwhile, the local community has rallied in support, holding a candlelight vigil at Saint Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church in Tucson on Wednesday evening. Savannah's absence from her professional commitments, including NBC Sports' coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony, underscores the family's focus on Nancy's safe return.
Expert Insight and Celebrity Reactions
Former FBI criminal profiler Candice DeLong provided context to CNN, noting that "in the vast majority of cases" involving elderly kidnappings, "the offender is known to the victim." This insight adds another layer to the ongoing investigation as authorities pursue hundreds of leads.
Celebrity support has poured in for the Guthrie family, with Savannah's Today show co-host Jenna Bush Hager sharing the family's video with the caption "Please God, bring her home." Reality star Khloe Kardashian also expressed support, commenting on Savannah's Instagram post: "I am praying praying praying! I have faith."
The Pima County Sheriff's Department has scheduled a press briefing for Thursday at 11 a.m. local time as the search for Nancy Guthrie continues and her family awaits proof of life from whoever may be holding her.
