Police Suspect Abduction of Today Show Host Savannah Guthrie's Mother in Arizona
Authorities in Arizona have intensified their investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC's Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, with police now suspecting she was abducted from her home near Tucson over the weekend. The Pima County Sheriff's Office revealed that signs of forced entry and blood were discovered at her residence in the Catalina Foothills area, where she was last seen around 9:30 pm on Saturday.
Urgent Search Amid Health Concerns
Chris Nanos, the Pima County Sheriff, emphasised the urgency of finding Nancy Guthrie during a press conference on Monday, noting her limited physical mobility and reliance on regular life-saving medication. He stated that if she is alive, the lack of these medications could become fatal, as it has been over 24 hours since she was last seen. Kevin Adger, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office, added that investigators believe she was taken against her will, possibly in the middle of the night while sleeping.
Sheriff Nanos clarified that this is not a case related to dementia, describing Nancy Guthrie as "sharp as a tack" and not someone who would simply wander off. The family reported her missing at about midday on Sunday after a call from someone at her church indicated she was not there, prompting relatives to check her home and contact officials.
Investigation and Community Appeal
The investigation has shifted from a search mission to treating the home as a crime scene, with search crews being pulled back on Monday afternoon. Authorities are reviewing video footage from the residence and neighborhood cameras, and have set up a tipline and online request for evidence. A reward of $2,500 has been offered for information leading to arrests in connection with her disappearance.
Drones, search dogs, volunteers, and border patrol agents have been deployed in the search efforts. The FBI has also offered assistance, and homicide detectives are involved, which Sheriff Nanos described as a non-standard procedure in the early stages of a missing persons case, indicating the seriousness of the situation.
Savannah Guthrie's Response and Personal Background
Savannah Guthrie, who has co-anchored the Today show since 2012, has canceled plans to cover the winter Olympics in Milan and is currently in Arizona. She was absent from the show for a second day on Tuesday and posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, asking for prayers and expressing faith in humanity and goodness. In the post, she described her mother as a woman of deep conviction and a faithful servant.
Growing up in Tucson, Savannah Guthrie has often spoken about her close bond with her mother, especially after her father's death when she was 16. She graduated from the University of Arizona and previously worked as a reporter and anchor at KVOA-TV in her hometown. In a 2025 story, Nancy Guthrie shared her love for Tucson, praising its laid-back and gentle quality of life.
As the search continues, authorities are urging the community to come forward with any information that could help locate Nancy Guthrie and ensure her safe return.
