Savannah Guthrie’s heartfelt tribute to her mom now underscores a desperate search for her safe return

2 February 2026

Savannah Guthrie and mother Nancy Guthrie. Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty (2)

Savannah Guthrie, the seasoned television journalist and co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show, has been thrust into a deeply personal crisis as her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, disappeared from her Arizona home under baffling and concerning circumstances, a situation that has captured national attention and prompted an urgent search involving law-enforcement agencies and emotional public pleas from Savannah and her family.

What makes the unfolding story all the more poignant are images and words Guthrie once shared that capture the profound bond between mother and daughter, as in a 2020 birthday tribute in which Guthrie called her mom her “heart and my everything” and described Nancy as a model for what a mother should be, remarks that now echo with heartbreaking resonance as the search for her continues without resolution.

The events began on January 31, when Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson, Arizona, after being dropped off by her son-in-law following a family dinner. The next morning, she failed to show up for her usual routine, leading family members to check on her welfare. Nancy, who has limited mobility and requires essential daily medication, was reported missing on February 1 by her concerned relatives when they discovered that she had not left the house and was unreachable. Authorities quickly mobilized a search and treated the residence as an active crime scene after discovering troubling evidence that suggested she did not leave voluntarily.

Sheriff Chris Nanos of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department described the circumstances as “very concerning,” noting signs at the home that pointed toward foul play. Blood found at the home was later confirmed to be Nancy’s, and investigators believe she may have been taken from her residence in the middle of the night, a troubling indication that the situation could involve a criminal act rather than a simple missing-person case. The sheriff’s office has since enlisted homicide detectives and engaged in an extensive forensic investigation aimed at determining what happened to the elderly woman and who might be responsible.

As the search stretched into its fifth day, the FBI joined local authorities, and both families and law enforcement have publicly appealed for information that could lead to Nancy’s safe return. A reward of $50,000 has been offered for credible tips that help solve the case, and investigators have explored a range of leads, including possible ransom notes that were sent to media outlets demanding payment in cryptocurrency, though officials have not confirmed whether these demands are authentic or directly tied to the disappearance.

Throughout the ordeal, Savannah Guthrie has stepped back from her broadcasting duties, including plans to co-host NBC’s coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics, in order to focus on the search for her mother and to be with her family during this heart-wrenching time. Her absence from television has been marked by public expressions of love and concern from colleagues and the broader media community, and on the “Today” show, on-air tributes have acknowledged her difficult circumstances and offered support. Guthrie’s long-time friend and former co-host Hoda Kotb made a poignant return to the program to stand with her during this search, saying that the entire “Today” family feels the pain of the situation deeply and is committed to supporting Savannah through it.

The emotional dimension of the case has been underscored by the many public reminders of the close relationship between Guthrie and her mother. Beyond her earlier birthday tribute, Guthrie has spoken in interviews about Nancy’s role in encouraging her journalism career, urging her to pursue opportunities far from home when Guthrie was a young broadcaster starting out in Montana. Those reflections take on added weight now, as the television anchor stands visibly shaken by her mother’s disappearance and humbly asks for the public’s help in bringing her home.

Family members have actively participated in the search efforts and in public appeals for Nancy’s whereabouts, with Guthrie’s siblings and son-in-law generating awareness and urging anyone with information to contact authorities. Meanwhile, investigators continue to analyze digital evidence, review neighborhood surveillance, and follow up on tips that might lead to a breakthrough in the case. Although no suspects or persons of interest have yet been publicly identified, the FBI and sheriff’s department are continuing to pursue all avenues in what remains a fluid and evolving investigation.

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has drawn national concern not just because of her daughter’s prominence but because of the disturbing nature of the circumstances and the vulnerability of the missing woman herself. With ongoing efforts from law enforcement, heartfelt public support for the family, and eyes fixed on every new lead, the hopes of friends, colleagues and fans alike rest on the possibility of a safe and swift resolution. In the meantime, Savannah Guthrie’s original description of her mother as “everything,” once shared in celebration, now stands as a testament to a daughter’s deep love and a family’s fervent wish for Nancy’s return.