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In a heartfelt and urgent plea, Savannah Guthrie, co-host of NBC’s “Today” show, has publicly addressed the individual or individuals responsible for kidnapping her mother, expressing the family’s willingness to communicate but demanding concrete evidence of her mother’s well-being.
On Wednesday evening, Guthrie, alongside her siblings, shared a poignant video on Instagram, reaching out to those holding their 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie. The nearly four-minute video is a direct appeal for her safe return or at least confirmation that she is still alive.
“In this digital age, where voices and images can be easily altered, we need undeniable proof of life,” Guthrie stated in the video. “We are ready to listen and engage in dialogue. Please contact us and provide assurance of her safety.”
According to TMZ, a ransom note demanding payment in cryptocurrency for Nancy Guthrie’s release was reportedly received. Similarly, a journalist from Tucson’s KOLD television station mentioned in a social media post that their station also received what seemed to be a ransom note. Both organizations have since handed these notes over to law enforcement for investigation.
TMZ reported Tuesday that it received a purported ransom note demanding payment in cryptocurrency for Guthrie’s release. Separately, a journalist with Tucson television station KOLD said in an X post that the station received what appeared to be a ransom note. Both outlets said they turned over the notes to investigators.
The sheriff’s department said it’s taking the possible ransom notes and other tips seriously but declined to comment further.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office plans to hold a press conference Thursday at 1 p.m. Eastern to provide an update on the case.
What happened to Nancy Guthrie?
Nancy Guthrie disappeared over the weekend from her southern Arizona home, with investigators saying they found several concerning things when they began looking at the house Sunday as the search began.
Because Nancy Guthrie is mentally sharp but physically unable to travel long distances, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office has repeatedly said in press conferences this week they believe she was taken against her will sometime Saturday night or Sunday morning.
Search-and-rescue teams, K-9 units and deputies worked throughout the day and overnight but were unable to find her. Investigators still do not have a suspect or person of interest, the sheriff’s department said in a statement Wednesday morning.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said she needs daily medication and could die without it. Asked whether officials were looking for her alive, he said, “We hope we are.”
“Detectives are working closely with the Guthrie family,” the sheriff’s department said. “While we appreciate the public’s concern, the sharing of unverified accusations or false information is irresponsible and does not assist the investigation.”
Evidence of nighttime kidnapping
Nancy Guthrie was described by investigators as “sharp as a tack” but with mobility issues that would prevent her from leaving the house on her own. Authorities also said during press conferences on Monday and Tuesday that there were certain things at the house that made them suspect some sort of foul play.
“We saw some things at the home that were concerning to us,” he said at a Monday news conference. “We do in fact have a crime. We are asking for the community’s help.”
A person familiar with the investigation, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, said investigators found specific evidence in the home showing there was a nighttime kidnapping. Several of Guthrie’s personal items, including her cellphone, wallet and car, were still there after she disappeared.
Investigators are reviewing surveillance video from nearby homes and analyzing data from cellphone towers. Police are also reviewing information from license plate cameras in the area, according to the person, who was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the case and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.
The motive remains a mystery.
President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday afternoon, said he planned to call Savannah Guthrie “later on” and called the situation “terrible.”
FBI joins the case
The Pima County sheriff and the Tucson FBI chief held a news conference Tuesday and urged the public to offer tips, but they revealed few new details about the investigation. Nanos declined to say whether the disappearance was thought to be random or targeted or to describe the evidence found at Guthrie’s home.
The sheriff has said she needs daily medication and could die without it. Asked whether officials were looking for her alive, he said, “We hope we are.”
FBI officials said they were providing assistance to the Pima County Sheriff’s Office during the investigation. Specifically, John Edwards, the assistant Special Agent for FBI’s Tucson office, said the federal agency was looking into cell phone data and tracking cell tower pings to determine who may have been around the area when Nancy Guthrie went missing.
Savannah Guthrie won’t cover the 2026 Olympics
“Today” host Savannah Guthrie will not be covering the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics after the disappearance of her mother, NBC confirmed Tuesday.
NBC Sports confirmed that Guthrie will not fulfill her hosting duties as she “focuses on being with her family during this difficult time.”
Guthrie was scheduled to cover the Games and co-host Friday’s Opening Ceremony. In preparation for the Olympics, she underwent surgery to remove a polyp from her vocal cords and was forced to take a multi-week hiatus from the TODAY show to recover.