Countless Americans who’ve been following the heartbreaking missing person case involving “Today” host Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, know that the second deadline provided in ransom notes sent to several media outlets passed at 5 p.m. on February 9, 2026.
According to reports from TMZ and others who viewed the encrypted emails, sent by Nancy’s alleged abductor or abductors, a lack of payment from the family would be highly “consequential,” TMZ founder Harvey Levin said.
Authorities have not been able to guarantee the legitimacy of the ransom notes, but on February 7, the Guthrie family — Savannah, her sister Annie, and brother Camron — announced in a video that they were willing to pay the ransom in hopes of being reunited with their mom, who disappeared overnight from her home in Tucson, Arizona, on February 1. The amount demanded was $6 million in bitcoin, per TMZ.
On February 9, hours before the second deadline, Savannah posted a new solo video, pleading with the public for help in finding their mom. As the deadline passed, famous friends and other celebrities amped up their support for the broadcaster and her family.
Celebrities Wrapping Savannah Guthrie in Love as Search For Her Mom Continues
Many stars left heartfelt comments for Savannah immediately after she shared her latest video. But it was clear many more were thinking of her family as the February 9 deadline approached.
At the top of the hour, as the deadline passed, Savannah’s “Today” co-host and dear friend Carson Daly shared a post in his Instagram Stories that said, “ISAIAH 43:18-9 ‘Never lose hope. Just when you think it’s over, God will make a way for you.'”
Daly added below the post, “Bring Nancy home ❤️🙏🏻”
Moments after the clock struck 5 p.m. in Arizona, where Hallmark and soap star Alison Sweeney lives, the actress left two prayer hands emoji — “🙏🙏” — on Savannah’s post.
Fellow Hallmark actress and “911: Nashville” star Kimberly Williams-Paisley left four emoji — “❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️”
“The Morning Show” star Karen Pittman commented, “Praying for your family and your dear mother.”
Fans Also Flooded Savannah Guthrie’s Post With Love as 5 p.m. Deadline Passed
NBCUniversalIt is not known if the Guthrie family did pay the ransom as they said they would in their February 7. But the deadline was clearly on the minds of many. Savannah’s latest post collected over 30,000 comments in a matter of hours, and many more streamed in from fans as the 5 p.m. deadline passed.
“I cant stop thinking about your mum and your family,” one wrote just after the deadline. “I keep checking the news to see if she is home yet. Sending lots of love and prayers 🙏❤️”
“We continue to lift up your mom and entire family to the Lord,” another commented. “Praying for his supernatural protection over her and for her safe return. 🙏❤️”
Someone else shared, “Far from Tucson, but so so so close in heart & prayer. Love you & your family dearly, beautiful SG ❤️❤️❤️”
Anyone with information that could lead authorities to Nancy Guthrie, even far beyond the Tucson area, is encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
