The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of TODAY display co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has gripped the nation, escalating from a missing person case to a suspected kidnapping with ransom demands. As of February 8, 2026, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI are actively investigating, with the Guthrie family making a public plea for her safe return.
A Family’s Desperate Appeal
Savannah Guthrie, alongside her siblings Camron and Annie, released a video statement expressing their willingness to pay a ransom for their mother’s release. “We received your message and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. What we have is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us and we will pay,” Savannah stated in the video posted on Instagram. The family’s direct appeal underscores the gravity of the situation and their desperation for Nancy’s safe return.
The Timeline of Events
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her home in Catalina Foothills, Arizona, on February 1, 2026. According to authorities, she was dropped off by an Uber driver around 9:48 p.m. After visiting family. The following morning, at 1:47 a.m., her doorbell camera was disconnected. A person was detected on camera at 2:12 a.m., but no video footage is available. She was reported missing later that day when she failed to attend church.
Ransom Demands and Investigation
The investigation took a turn with reports of ransom notes. While the specifics of the demands remain undisclosed, authorities confirmed they are investigating the authenticity of a message sent to Tucson TV station KOLD. The FBI is working to determine if this message is connected to an earlier ransom note. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has described the case as a possible kidnapping or abduction.
Concerns for Nancy Guthrie’s Health
Family members have expressed significant concern for Nancy Guthrie’s well-being, emphasizing her fragile health. Savannah Guthrie stated her mother “is 84 years old. Her health, her heart, is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive, and she needs it not to suffer.” This highlights the urgency of the situation and the potential risks to her health if she is not located quickly.
Community Reaction and Security Concerns
The incident has shaken the local community, with neighbors expressing shock and increasing their own security measures. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s safe return or the arrest of those involved.
What We Understand So Far: A Summary
- Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing on February 1, 2026, from her home in Arizona.
- Authorities suspect a kidnapping or abduction.
- Ransom demands have been made, and their authenticity is being investigated.
- The Guthrie family is pleading for her safe return and has offered to pay a ransom.
- Nancy Guthrie has pre-existing health conditions requiring medication.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
