Former Colleague Calls on NBC to Help Resolve Savannah Guthrie’s Mother’s Ransom Situation

Billy Bush, who once shared the spotlight with Savannah Guthrie on the Today show, has voiced that NBC should have no hesitation in paying the $6 million ransom demanded for the safe return of Guthrie’s mother, Nancy. During a segment on The Sunday Briefing on Fox News, Bush described the distressing situation as both surreal and deeply painful for Guthrie, his long-time friend. Nancy, aged 84, disappeared from her residence on February 1 without her necessary medication, and authorities suspect kidnapping, though no suspects have been identified yet. Bush expressed a sense of optimism upon hearing about the ransom, which was communicated to a local news outlet, suggesting that the amount should not be a hurdle for NBC.

“The demand states that by 5:00 PM on Monday, they want a $6 million bitcoin payment; this indicates that Nancy Guthrie is still safe,” Bush remarked. “For NBC, $6 million is a manageable sum, one they can easily transfer.” The ransom note reportedly reached an Arizona TV station, with instructions for payment by Monday evening. Bush conveyed to anchor Peter Doocy that the bizarre nature of the situation feels more like a plot from a thriller than real life. Savannah Guthrie has been emotionally shaken, especially evident in a brief video she shared on Saturday night, directly appealing to her mother’s captors.

Accompanied by her siblings, Camron and Annie, the Today co-anchor appeared visibly worn as she assured the kidnappers of the family’s willingness to comply. “We got your message and we understand,” Savannah Guthrie stated. “We implore you to return our mother so we can reunite and celebrate with her. This is the only way we will find peace. It means everything to us, and we will comply with your demands.” Bush noted that the video clearly depicted how the ordeal has deeply affected Savannah over the nine days since her mother went missing. “She appeared more exhausted and disheartened, wearing the same attire as in her first video,” he observed. “It’s apparent she’s getting no rest at all.”

He emphasized that paying the ransom is the only viable route to getting Nancy Guthrie home safely, and could ultimately help authorities locate and hold the perpetrators accountable. Bush said that once Nancy is returned, investigators can move swiftly to track down the suspects and ensure they face what he called the ‘ultimate consequence.’ The search for Savannah Guthrie’s mother Nancy has entered its ninth day – with investigators seen probing a septic tank at the 84-year-old woman’s home.

On Sunday, Fox News shared footage from the property in Tucson, Arizona, showing law enforcement officials using a pole to check inside a manhole behind the house. An official vehicle has also been spotted outside the residence. Nancy was last seen on January 31 and was reported missing on the morning of February 1 after members of her church told her family that she did not attend a service that morning. When her family members went to check on her, she was nowhere to be found – prompting them to call the police. Police believe that Nancy is alive, as Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told reporters on Friday night: ‘What I believe is that Nancy was removed from her home against her will, and that we need to find her. That’s what I believe. She’s still alive.’