Quick Read
- Nancy Guthrie, 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie, was reportedly abducted from her Arizona home on February 1, 2026.
- The search is in its fourth day, with Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirming Nancy was ‘taken against her will’.
- Savannah Guthrie and her siblings made an emotional video plea for their mother’s safe return, directly addressing a potential abductor.
- Media outlets received unverified ransom notes demanding millions in Bitcoin for Nancy Guthrie’s release.
- President Donald Trump called Savannah Guthrie to offer support and assure the deployment of resources for the search.
TUCSON (Azat TV) – The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of ‘Today’ show co-host Savannah Guthrie, entered its fourth day on Thursday, February 5, 2026, as her family issued an emotional public plea for her safe return amidst unverified reports of ransom notes demanding millions in Bitcoin. Nancy Guthrie, who has limited mobility and significant health needs, is believed by authorities to have been taken from her home outside Tucson, Arizona, against her will on Sunday, February 1.
The high-profile disappearance has drawn significant attention, prompting a direct intervention from President Donald Trump, who spoke with Savannah Guthrie to offer support and assure the deployment of all necessary resources. Meanwhile, Savannah Guthrie has stepped down from her scheduled hosting duties for the 2026 Milan Olympics opening ceremony to focus on her family during this critical time.
Search for Nancy Guthrie Intensifies Amid Ransom Reports
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed on Tuesday, February 3, that investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her residence. The 911 call reporting her missing came on Sunday, February 1, after family members discovered she was not at her home, having last been seen by her children around 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, January 31. Sheriff Nanos stated that his office is aggressively pursuing ‘hundreds of leads’ in the case, emphasizing that the primary mission is to find Nancy Guthrie ‘alive.’
Adding a concerning dimension to the investigation, news outlets TMZ, CBS affiliate KOLD News, and KGUN 9 reported receiving alleged ransom notes concerning Nancy Guthrie. While the authenticity of these notes remains unconfirmed by law enforcement, CBS reported that the note received by KOLD News contained ‘specific details about the home and what Nancy Guthrie was wearing that night.’ TMZ’s report indicated a demand for millions in Bitcoin cryptocurrency, along with a specific Bitcoin address, which the tabloid claimed to have verified. The FBI is working closely with local Arizona law enforcement, analyzing cell phone data, cell tower information, and conducting interviews, as confirmed by Jon Edwards, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s Tucson office.
Family’s Urgent Plea and Official Investigation
On Wednesday evening, February 4, Savannah Guthrie, alongside her sister Annie Guthrie and brother Camron Guthrie, posted a nearly four-minute video on Instagram, directly addressing the public and a potential abductor. Savannah Guthrie acknowledged the media reports of ransom letters, stating, ‘We, too, have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media.’ She then appeared to speak directly to whoever may be holding her mother, saying, ‘We need to know without a doubt that she’s alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us.’
The siblings underscored their mother’s fragile health, noting she lives in constant pain and requires daily medication to survive and avoid suffering. ‘Her health, her heart, is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive,’ Savannah Guthrie pleaded. Annie Guthrie added, ‘Mama, if you’re listening, we need you to come home. We miss you.’ The family also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of prayers and support.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has not identified a suspect or person of interest in the case, urging the public to refrain from spreading unverified information. Investigators have collected DNA samples from Nancy Guthrie’s home and are examining whether a missing Ring doorbell security camera was intentionally removed. Reporters for The Arizona Republic observed dried blood droplets on the Spanish tile entrance of Nancy Guthrie’s home on February 3, though the sheriff’s department would not confirm whose blood it was.
President Trump Offers Support, Olympics Role Changes
The severity of the situation escalated with the involvement of President Donald Trump. According to NBC News, President Trump called Savannah Guthrie to offer words of support to her and her family as the search for her mother continues. Trump reportedly told Guthrie he was ‘deploying all resources to get her mother home safely.’
In light of her mother’s disappearance, Savannah Guthrie has withdrawn from her role as host of the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan, Italy. NBC announced on Wednesday, February 4, that veteran sportscaster Mary Carillo has been tapped to replace Guthrie, joining Terry Gannon for the broadcast on Friday, February 6. Molly Solomon, executive producer and president of NBC Olympics Production, issued a statement of full support for the Guthrie family, acknowledging their difficult time.
Evidence and Community Vigil in Arizona
Law enforcement vehicles were observed outside the home of Annie Guthrie, Nancy’s daughter, in Tucson, Arizona, on Tuesday, February 3, signaling active investigation in the area. The community has rallied around the family, with a candlelight vigil held at a local Arizona church on Wednesday evening, February 4, to pray for Nancy Guthrie’s safe return. ‘Today’ show co-anchors, including Jenna Bush Hager and Craig Melvin, have also expressed their support and shared messages of hope and faith for Nancy’s safe return.
Mike Jones, a retired police chief and security consultant, told USA TODAY that abductions of elderly people are rare, suggesting this incident was likely a ‘big, dramatic event’ and that Nancy Guthrie was ‘targeted.’ He emphasized the critical health risks posed by the lack of medication, nutrition, and hydration for someone of her age.
The ongoing investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance underscores the complex challenges law enforcement faces in high-stakes abduction cases, particularly when compounded by potential ransom demands and the victim’s vulnerable health status. The visible support from both public figures and the local community highlights the profound human impact of such events, placing immense pressure on authorities to secure a safe resolution.