Savannah Guthrie Seeks Public’s Prayers in Urgent Search for Her Missing Mother

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie is appealing to the public for prayers to help locate her 84-year-old mother, who authorities in Arizona suspect may have been kidnapped or taken against her will.

“We deeply appreciate your prayers as we join together in hopes of bringing our beloved mom, Nancy, home safely. She is a woman of strong faith and conviction, a truly good and faithful servant. Please continue to pray for her safe return,” Savannah Guthrie shared in a heartfelt social media message late Monday. “We have faith that these prayers will lift her and bring her back to us.”

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos emphasized the urgency of finding Nancy Guthrie, noting that her life could be at risk without her essential medication. He implored anyone who might be holding her to let her go immediately.

“Her medication is crucial for her survival, and it’s been over 24 hours since she was last seen. Her family has informed us that without her meds, her situation could become life-threatening,” Nanos stated.

On Tuesday, the “Today” show covered Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance for the second consecutive day, though Savannah Guthrie was absent from her usual spot at the anchor desk. During a press briefing on Monday, Nanos confirmed that Savannah Guthrie is currently in Arizona. She has strong ties to the area, having grown up in Tucson, earned her degree from the University of Arizona, and worked as a reporter and anchor at Tucson’s KVOA-TV.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday night at her home in the Tucson area, where she lived alone and was reported missing Sunday. Someone at church called a family member saying Guthrie wasn’t there, leading family to search her home and then call 911, Nanos said. The sheriff’s department is investigating the possibility she was taken overnight, spokesperson Angelica Carrillo said.

Nancy Guthrie has limited mobility and officials don’t believe she left on her own. Nanos said she is of sound mind.

Searchers used drones and search dogs and were supported by volunteers and Border Patrol. The homicide team was also involved, Nanos said Sunday. The FBI has offered to help, Carrillo said. On Monday morning, Nanos said search crews worked hard but have since been pulled back.

“We don’t see this as a search mission so much as it is a crime scene,” the sheriff said.

Even so, a sheriff’s helicopter flew over the desert Monday afternoon near Nancy Guthrie’s home in the affluent Catalina Foothills area on the northern edge of Tucson. Her brick home has a gravel driveway and a yard covered in Prickly Pear and Saguaro cactus.