Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Nancy Missing: Authorities Investigate Abduction from Tucson Home as Crime Scene

TUCSON, Ariz. — The family of NBC “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie is gripped by anguish as her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, remains missing following what authorities describe as a possible abduction from her home in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of Saturday, January 31, 2026, around 9:30 p.m., after family members dropped her off at her residence near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue. She lives alone and was helped into the house before going to bed, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.

The following morning, Sunday, February 1, Nancy failed to appear at church as expected. A friend or family member from the congregation alerted relatives, prompting them to check on her. When they arrived and could not locate her, they contacted authorities around noon, leading to her being reported missing.

Savannah Guthrie's Mother Missing as Police Probe Foul Play
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Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Missing as Police Probe Foul Play

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department initially launched a large-scale search involving ground crews, canine units, drones, aircraft, and even support from Border Patrol volunteers. However, by Monday, February 2, investigators shifted focus after processing the home.

Sheriff Nanos addressed reporters, stating unequivocally that the residence is now an active crime scene. “We believe now, after we processed that crime scene, that we do, in fact, have a crime scene… She did not leave on her own. We know that,” Nanos said. He added, “I believe she was abducted… She didn’t walk from there. She didn’t go willingly.”

Investigators described elements at the scene as “concerning” and indicative of foul play, though specific details — such as signs of forced entry, disturbance, or potential evidence like DNA — have not been publicly released to protect the ongoing probe. The sheriff emphasized that Nancy Guthrie is of sound mind and sharp mentally, ruling out any dementia-related wandering. “This is not dementia-related. She’s as sharp as a tack,” Nanos noted. “The family wants everyone to know that this isn’t someone who just wandered off.”

A critical concern is Nancy’s health: She requires daily medication for a condition that could become life-threatening without it. “If she’s alive right now her meds are vital. I can’t stress that enough. It’s been better than 24 hours, and the family tells us if she doesn’t have those meds, it can become fatal,” the sheriff warned, urging anyone holding her to release her immediately.

What to Know About Savannah Guthrie's Mom Nancy amid Her Disappearance
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What to Know About Savannah Guthrie’s Mom Nancy amid Her Disappearance

On Monday evening, Savannah Guthrie took to Instagram to express gratitude for public support and appeal for continued prayers. Accompanying a photo with the message “Please pray,” she wrote: “We believe in prayer. We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope. We believe in goodness. We believe in humanity. Above all, we believe in Him.”

She continued: “Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. Raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment… We need you.”

Quoting Isaiah, she added: “‘He will keep in perfect peace those whose hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.’ A verse of Isaiah for all time for all of us. Bring her home.”

Savannah Guthrie asks for prayer as her mother remains missing: 'We need you'
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Savannah Guthrie asks for prayer as her mother remains missing: ‘We need you’

Nancy Guthrie, described by family and friends as a woman of deep faith and strong character, shares a particularly close bond with her daughter Savannah, who grew up in Tucson and often featured her mother in stories about their hometown. The two have appeared together in various photos over the years, showcasing their warm relationship.

What to Know About Savannah Guthrie's Mom Nancy amid Her Disappearance
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What to Know About Savannah Guthrie’s Mom Nancy amid Her Disappearance

The investigation has drawn national attention due to Savannah Guthrie’s prominence as a “Today” co-anchor. She was not on air Monday, with reports indicating she is in Arizona supporting the family and cooperating with authorities. The FBI has offered assistance, and a reward of up to $2,500 is being offered through 88-CRIME for information leading to an arrest.

Authorities continue to review neighborhood surveillance footage and urge anyone with tips — including sightings or suspicious activity around the time of her disappearance — to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900 or 911 in emergencies.

The case remains active, with detectives treating it as a criminal abduction rather than a voluntary disappearance or accident. As the hours tick by without her vital medication, time is of the essence in the desperate search to bring Nancy Guthrie home safely.