Savannah Guthrie’s Mom Missing: Police Address Possible Ransom Note

by

Police may have new leads regarding the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother Nancy Guthrie.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the disappearance of an 84-year-old woman from her Tucson, Arizona home and has responded to questions about whether a ransom demand was made.

On February 3rd, the Sheriff’s Office acknowledged reports of potential ransom notes related to the Nancy Guthrie investigation. They stated they are thoroughly investigating all leads and tips received.

According to the statement, all incoming information is immediately sent to our detectives, who are working with the FBI. The department is asking anyone with information or leads to come forward and share it.

Okay, so this is HUGE! I just saw on TMZ that they got some crazy ransom note – totally unconfirmed, but still! – demanding millions in Bitcoin. Can you believe it? They immediately handed it over to the sheriff’s department, which is exactly what they should have done, obviously. I’m seriously on the edge of my seat right now!

Nancy, mother of Annie and Camron Guthrie, was last seen by her family around 9:30 p.m. on January 31st. When she didn’t attend church the following morning, a friend alerted her family, according to Today. After searching her property for about an hour, her children contacted the authorities and reported her missing around noon on February 1st.

On February 3rd, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos announced that investigators discovered DNA evidence at the home of Nancy during their investigation.

We collected samples and are hoping they contain enough DNA to help us identify what we’re looking for, he told NBC News in a report on Today.

Sheriff Nanos stated the day prior that investigators thought Nancy was probably kidnapped, and that due to her health, she wouldn’t have been able to leave by herself.

He stated in a press conference on February 2nd that they believe she didn’t leave on her own, and confirmed she is mentally alert and clear-thinking.

“Nancy Guthrie is of great sound mind,” he said. “This is not dementia-related.”

The sheriff’s office labeled Nancy’s house a crime scene, explaining they found several things inside that worried them.

After examining the scene, we’ve confirmed it is a crime scene. We’re asking for the public’s help, as this community has always been supportive in solving difficult cases, and we need that support now.

Savannah, age 54, recently asked her followers for prayers. This came after she withdrew from hosting the 2026 Winter Olympics following her mother’s disappearance.

The Today show host shared on Instagram on February 2nd, thanking everyone for their prayers for her mother, Nancy. She described her mother as a woman of strong beliefs and a devoted person.

Savannah continued, asking for everyone to pray and have faith that their prayers would help bring her loved one home right now. She emphasized they needed support and asked people to join them in hoping for her safe return.

For a full breakdown of everything we know about Nancy’s disappearance, keep reading.

Police say 84-year-old Joan Guthrie, mother to Annie, Camron, and Savannah Guthrie, was last seen at her home in Tucson, Arizona, around 9:30 p.m. on January 31st.

Police confirmed to Today that Nancy, age 84, was reported missing on February 1st. Her family became worried when a friend told them she hadn’t attended church that morning. After searching her property for about an hour, her children contacted authorities and reported her missing around noon.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos later explained the first steps taken in the investigation, which involved detectives specializing in homicides, at the victim’s home.

It’s unusual for the sheriff to be involved in a situation like this, but the details emerging from the house are deeply troubling,” he explained to reporters on February 2nd. “This case was particularly striking due to what officers described and what we discovered while examining the scene.

This isn’t how things usually work,” Nanos explained. “Normally, our homicide team only investigates when there’s a death – a body to examine. In this case, we sent them out solely based on what the land surveyors reported.”

After looking into the situation, officials stated they think a crime happened at Nancy’s house.

During a press conference on February 2nd, Nanos stated that investigators have confirmed they are dealing with a crime scene. He appealed to the public for assistance, noting the community has a history of helping solve difficult cases and he hopes they will do so again.

The sheriff pointed out that Nancy had difficulty walking—she couldn’t walk even a short distance on her own—which led him to suspect something wasn’t right about her disappearance.

He stated, “We’re certain she didn’t simply leave by herself.” He also mentioned that evidence at the location suggests she didn’t leave voluntarily.

The search for Nancy is still ongoing, and officials are stressing that she requires daily medication to stay healthy, and she probably doesn’t have it with her.

During a press conference on February 2nd, Nanos explained that an 84-year-old woman under their care is facing serious health issues and urgently needs medication. Without it within 24 hours, her condition could become life-threatening.

I’m just begging anyone, anyone who knows something – even the smallest thing – please come forward! Seriously, if you’ve seen anything, heard anything at all, just contact the authorities. Please, call 911. We can’t let this end badly, not again. We need help, and we need it now. I’m so worried and just want everyone to be okay.

Although Nancy has faced some health challenges, Dr. Nanos highlighted that her mind remains sharp and capable.

According to Dr. Nanos, Nancy Guthrie is mentally alert and this situation isn’t connected to dementia. She’s still very sharp. The family wants to emphasize that she didn’t simply wander away, and any physical limitations are simply due to her age.

With the search for Nancy still ongoing, Nanos expressed his wish for her to come home safely.

“I hope we find her safe and sound,” he emphasized, “but we cannot ignore what’s in front of us.”

The day after Nancy was reported missing, the anchor of the Today show publicly shared how difficult this time is for her family.

Speaking for my family, I want to express our gratitude for all the kind thoughts, prayers, and messages we’ve received,” she said on February 2nd during an interview with NBC’s morning show. “Our top priority right now is bringing Nancy home safely.”

She expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their efforts in the case and asked anyone with information to please reach out to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.

Once Savannah confirmed her mother, Nancy, had been reported missing, her colleagues on the Today show publicly expressed their support.

Jenna Bush Hager shared on the February 2nd episode of Today with Jenna & Sheinelle that she is personally close to Nancy and feels warmly towards her.

She continued, saying they were thinking of Savannah and her family and sending their prayers to everyone affected.

Meanwhile, Sheinelle Jones emphasized the importance of community during this difficult time. 

She felt the show was at its strongest when it called on the community for help, encouraging viewers to reach out to the Pima County Sheriff’s department with any information, even if it seemed insignificant.

She added, “So we’re sending our prayers but we’re also sending our collective action.”

Before concluding the segment, both hosts continued, “We love you, Savannah.”

And Sunday Today anchor Willie Geist also urged fans to keep an eye out for Nancy.

As someone who always emphasizes community support, I wanted to share a critical update. On February 2nd, I posted on Instagram asking for help locating Nancy Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie’s mother, who was reported missing. If you have any information about her whereabouts, please don’t hesitate to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in Arizona. I included their number in my post, and even the smallest detail could be helpful right now.

As many of you know, I was so surprised to hear the news about Savannah and Nancy! My heart goes out to them both. I shared a sweet photo of Savannah and Nancy together on set – it was a simple post, just a red heart and praying hands emoji, because sometimes that’s all you need to say when you’re sending love and support.

Okay, so they’re calling Nancy’s place a crime scene – can you believe it?! It’s just… unsettling. But they keep saying we’re all safe, that there’s ‘no indication of danger to the public.’ Like that makes it any better! It just feels… wrong. I keep checking for updates, hoping everything’s okay, but honestly, it’s terrifying knowing something happened there, in her home. I just want to know she’s alright, and that this whole thing is just a misunderstanding, but they’re so vague!

Pima County Sheriff Nanos said at a press conference on February 2nd that he doesn’t believe there’s a current danger, but emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and much work remains.

Savannah hasn’t been on Today since February 1st, when her mother was reported missing. However, local authorities have been checking in with her to ensure she’s safe.

I heard directly from the sheriff, and he confirmed they’ve been talking to her. Apparently, she has a security team that’s been keeping them updated all night, but they’re not ruling anything out just yet – they’re covering all bases, which is good to hear.

On Feb. 2, Pima County police shared a series of updates on the timeline of Nancy’s disappearance.

Investigators now believe the woman was likely taken from her home against her will, potentially while she was sleeping, according to a Pima County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson. They are investigating the case as a possible kidnapping or abduction, and have been doing so since February 2nd.

After news broke that Nancy might have been taken from her home in Arizona while she was sleeping, Savannah made a heartfelt plea.

In a recent Instagram post from February 2nd, she shared her faith, writing about the power of prayer and the importance of coming together with love and hope. She expressed a strong belief in goodness, humanity, and, most importantly, in God.

Savannah continued, thanking everyone for keeping her mother, Nancy, in their thoughts and prayers. She described Nancy as a woman of strong beliefs and a devoted person, and asked for continued prayers, believing they would provide comfort and strength right now.

She added, “we need you.”

To conclude her plea, Savannah shared a Bible verse from Isaiah.

She shared a verse from Isaiah, writing, “He will keep those with steadfast hearts and unwavering trust in the Lord in perfect peace.” She believed this message held timeless wisdom for everyone.

Savannah continued, “Bring her home.”

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated that DNA evidence was discovered at Nancy’s house, which is now being treated as a crime scene.

We collected samples and are hoping they contain enough DNA to help us identify what we’re investigating,” he said in a report on NBC’s Today on February 3.

Read More

2026-02-04 02:50