Authorities have issued an urgent statement regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, confirming they believe she was abducted from her Arizona home.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen late Saturday night, January 31, at her residence in the Catalina Foothills near Tucson. When she failed to attend church the following morning, family members searched her home and called 911. Inside, authorities found the lights on, the door unlocked, and her phone, wallet, and car still inside. Signs of forced entry led investigators to immediately treat the case as a possible abduction.
A large-scale search involving drones, helicopters, infrared technology, search dogs, and volunteers was launched but failed to locate her. By Monday, the effort shifted to a full criminal investigation. Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed homicide detectives were involved, calling the circumstances “suspicious and concerning.”
Nancy Guthrie is described as 5’5”, about 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. While she has severe mobility limitations and cannot walk long distances, authorities stressed she has no cognitive impairment. She urgently requires daily medication, which officials say could be fatal if not taken.
Sheriff Nanos stated unequivocally that he believes Nancy did not leave voluntarily. “She didn’t walk from there. She didn’t go willingly,” he said, adding that investigators believe she was forced out of her home during the night. While there is no confirmed motive, authorities have not ruled out the possibility that she was targeted because of her daughter’s public profile. The FBI is now assisting, and officials say there is no evidence linking the case to cartel activity or the nearby border.
Savannah Guthrie was absent from the Today show on Monday. Her co-anchor addressed the situation on air, while Guthrie released a written statement thanking the public for their support and urging anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. Later, she shared an emotional message on Instagram, calling for prayers and pleading, “Bring her home.”
Guthrie has often spoken about her close relationship with her mother, who raised Savannah and her siblings after the death of their father when Savannah was 16. She has previously described Nancy as a woman of faith, strength, and unwavering support.
Neighbors in the normally quiet Catalina Foothills community expressed shock, describing the area as safe and peaceful. Residents have begun reviewing security footage and assisting authorities.
A nonprofit organization, 88-Crime, is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest. Sheriff Nanos urged the public to review any camera footage from between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. Sunday and made a direct plea to those responsible: “Just call us, let her go.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact authorities immediately.
