Gayle King's Emotional Support for Savannah Guthrie During Mother's Abduction Crisis
In a deeply moving display of solidarity, television personality Gayle King has sent an emotional message of support to her colleague Savannah Guthrie as the desperate search for Guthrie's missing mother enters another tense day. The heartfelt gesture came during Thursday night's NFL Honors event in San Francisco, where King spoke openly about the distressing situation facing the NBC presenter and her family.
The Disturbing Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie, Savannah's 84-year-old mother, was last seen by family members at her residence near Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday evening. Authorities reported her missing the following afternoon and have since determined she was likely taken from her home against her will, classifying the incident as an abduction.
A visibly emotional King, 71, spoke to reporters about the ongoing crisis, revealing she has been in constant prayer for Guthrie and her family since the disappearance. "It has been very difficult today, very difficult," King acknowledged while inquiring about any potential updates in the case.
"You know the tape that she did, that the family did. But you still have to have hope, you can't give up hope, you can't," King emphasized. "It's so frightening and it's so scary and we are all hoping that this has a really good ending."
Personal Outreach and Professional Concern
King confirmed she has reached out directly to Guthrie to offer support during this traumatic period. "I have sent a message but I reached out and said that there's no response necessary. She's not checking her texts. I just wanted her to know that I was thinking of her," King explained.
"There's nothing anybody can say during this time other than we are praying. I believe in the power of prayer and I just want it to be alright for her and her family. Nothing beats humanity. But it's very scary and very upsetting."
This public expression of concern follows King's emotional appearance on Thursday's CBS Morning show, where her voice trembled as she addressed viewers: "We're starting things a little differently this morning because like you, we're all waking up this morning with very heavy hearts and praying for our friend and our colleague, Savannah Guthrie."
Investigation Developments and Ransom Demands
Authorities have escalated their response to the abduction, now offering a substantial $50,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Nancy's abductor. The investigation has entered its fourth day since Nancy was taken from her home.
In a disturbing development, a note sent to media outlet TMZ has demanded millions in Bitcoin for Nancy's safe release. Investigators are currently working to verify the authenticity of this ransom demand, which adds another layer of complexity to an already tense situation.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos provided an update on Thursday, stating investigators believe Nancy remains "still out there" somewhere, though no suspects have been identified at this stage. "Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home," Nanos declared during a news conference marking five days since the disappearance was reported.
Forensic Evidence and Family's Plea
The sheriff acknowledged a sobering reality - authorities currently have no definitive proof that Nancy Guthrie is still alive. He also revealed that DNA testing has confirmed blood found on Nancy's porch matches her genetic profile, adding to the concerning nature of the investigation.
FBI Special Agent Heith Janke has communicated that the Guthrie family stands ready to engage with whoever might be holding Nancy captive. "This is an 84-year-old grandma that needs vital medication for her well-being," Janke stated, making a direct appeal to the abductors.
"You still have the time to do the right thing before this becomes a worse, much worse scenario for you. Please return Nancy home," he urged. "The family wants to be contacted. They know time is of the essence, and if those who may have Nancy are watching this, the family is ready to talk, get proof of life because there has been no contact."
The situation continues to develop as law enforcement agencies coordinate their search efforts while the broadcasting community rallies around Savannah Guthrie during this profoundly difficult period for her family.
