TUCSON, Ariz. — Standing before a camera with a heavy heart and a clear mission, Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie addressed the public on Monday, February 9, 2026, marking what she called an “hour of desperation.” Her mother, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, has been missing for over a week from her home near Tucson, Arizona, in a case that federal and local authorities are treating as a kidnapping.
“We believe our mom is still out there,” Guthrie said in a video posted to her Instagram account. “Law enforcement is working tirelessly around the clock trying to bring her home, trying to find her. She was taken, and we don’t know where. And we need your help.”
A Timeline of Disappearance
The nightmare for the Guthrie family began on the night of January 31, 2026. Nancy Guthrie had spent the evening having dinner and playing games with her daughter Annie and son-in-law. They dropped her off at her home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood around 9:50 p.m.
The first signs of trouble emerged from digital footprints. According to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, Nancy’s smart doorbell camera was disconnected at 1:47 a.m. on February 1. Approximately 25 minutes later, at 2:12 a.m., the camera software detected a person, but because the subscription was inactive, no images were captured. Most critically, at 2:28 a.m., a pacemaker app on Nancy’s phone—which was left behind at the residence—disconnected, suggesting she was moved away from the device.
Nancy was officially reported missing on Sunday morning, February 1, after she failed to arrive at her long-time church for the morning service.
The Investigation and Ransom Demands
As the search intensified, the case took a darker turn with the arrival of purported ransom notes. Several media outlets, including a local Tucson station and TMZ, reported receiving messages demanding payment in Bitcoin. One note reportedly demanded $6 million and set a deadline for Monday, February 9, at 5 p.m. local time.
Over the weekend, Savannah Guthrie, flanked by her siblings Annie and Camron, released a video directed at the potential captors. “We received your message and we understand,” she said. “We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her… This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”
Despite these developments, the FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department have not officially confirmed the authenticity of the ransom notes. They remain “shrouded in mystery,” though agents are treating every lead with the highest priority. The FBI has established a 24-hour command post and is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy’s safe return.
National Concern and Support
The disappearance has resonated far beyond Arizona. On Today, co-hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Craig Melvin have shared emotional tributes, noting that Nancy requires daily medication for high blood pressure and heart issues. Savannah Guthrie has stepped away from her high-profile duties, including her planned coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, to remain with her family.
Even the White House has weighed in. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump is receiving frequent updates and has directed federal agencies to provide full support to local authorities.
A Call to the Public
In her latest plea, Guthrie emphasized that help could come from anywhere, urging people across the country to remain vigilant.
“No matter where you are, even if you’re far from Tucson, if you see anything, if you hear anything, if there’s anything at all that seems strange to you—that you report it to law enforcement,” she pleaded. “She was taken and we don’t know where, and we need your help.”
Authorities have described the Guthrie home as a crime scene, noting signs of forced entry and “blood droplets” found on the porch. While investigators have canvassed nearby gas stations and analyzed drone footage, no suspects or persons of interest have been publicly identified as of Monday evening.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900 or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Sources & Links
- CBS News: Savannah Guthrie pleads for public’s help in search for missing mom Nancy
- The Guardian: Savannah Guthrie pleads for public’s help as search for her missing mother continues
- The Associated Press: Savannah Guthrie posts message to her mother’s kidnapper
- ABC News (via KVIA): Nancy Guthrie abduction latest: Savannah Guthrie pleads with public
- The Hindu: Nancy Guthrie disappearance: Savannah Guthrie says, ‘We believe our mom is still out there’
- LiveMint: Savannah Guthrie seeks help to find missing mom Nancy
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