12:55 am - February 5, 2026
Authorities in Tucson, Arizona, are investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie, after officials said they believe she was abducted from her home over the weekend. The case has drawn national attention as investigators appealed to the public for tips while providing limited details about the circumstances surrounding the suspected abduction.
Nancy Guthrie, who lives alone in Tucson, was reported missing after what authorities characterized as an abduction against her will, according to statements released Tuesday. Investigators indicated they do not believe the incident was connected to a robbery or kidnapping-for-ransom scheme, according to a person familiar with the case who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Investigation Details Remain Limited
During a public briefing on Tuesday, Arizona authorities declined to share specific evidence found at Nancy Guthrie’s residence or provide a precise timeline of when the suspected abduction occurred. Law enforcement officials emphasized their need for community assistance and urged anyone with information to come forward with tips.
The lack of detailed information has raised questions about the direction of the investigation. However, authorities maintained that withholding certain details was necessary to protect the integrity of their efforts to locate Nancy Guthrie safely.
NBC Today Show Community Responds
The disappearance has deeply affected the “Today” show, where Nancy Guthrie became familiar to viewers through occasional appearances over the years. She participated in cooking demonstrations and made surprise visits to the set to see her daughter, who has served as a “Today” anchor since 2012.
Jenna Bush Hager, one of the show’s hosts, addressed the situation during Tuesday’s broadcast with visible emotion. “For all of us who’ve gotten to know her and love her, it is personal,” she said. Meanwhile, Savannah Guthrie was absent from the anchor’s desk as she deals with the family crisis.
A Life of Faith and Resilience
Savannah Guthrie has frequently spoken about her mother’s character during broadcasts over the past decade. She described Nancy Guthrie as a woman of integrity, loyalty, and unwavering faith who served as the family’s foundation after the death of Savannah’s father in 1988.
Charles Guthrie died of a heart attack at age 49, leaving Nancy to raise three children as a widow. “She has met unthinkable challenges in her life with grit, without self-pity, with determination and always, always with unshakeable faith,” Savannah said during a 2022 tribute.
The family, which settled in Tucson in the 1970s after living in multiple locations including Australia, grew closer after the loss. Additionally, both daughters chose to live at home during college to ensure their mother wasn’t alone, demonstrating the tight bond Nancy fostered.
Family Legacy and Public Appeal for Nancy Guthrie
Nancy Guthrie’s influence on her children has been profound. Her son Charles became a retired military pilot who flew F-16s, while her daughters have consistently credited her with teaching them resilience and compassion through her example.
In a 2020 Instagram post, Savannah wrote that her mother is “my heart and my everything and my model for what a mother should be.” Annie, Savannah’s older sister, echoed similar sentiments during a “Today” show appearance, praising their mother for creating a strong foundation for the family.
On Tuesday, Savannah Guthrie publicly asked for prayers to help locate her mother. The request resonated with viewers who have watched Nancy Guthrie appear on television and heard stories about her adventurous, curious, and selfless nature over the years.
Authorities have not announced any arrests or identified suspects in the case. The investigation continues as law enforcement works to gather evidence and follow leads, though officials have not provided a timeline for when they expect to release additional information.
