Savannah Guthrie is the longtime co-anchor of “Today,” and right now, she and her siblings are living through every family’s worst nightmare.
The urgent search for their mother, Nancy Guthrie, 84, entered its fifth day this week after authorities said she was taken from her Arizona home “against her will.” Savannah and her siblings released an emotional video appeal, asking anyone involved to provide proof Nancy is alive and saying, “We are ready to listen.”
There are still no suspects, according to CNN. The sheriff’s department warned the public against spreading unverified claims as the FBI works alongside the Pima County Sheriff’s Department on the investigation. Savannah also revealed that her mother lives in constant pain and needs prescription medication, raising fears as time passes.
On Feb. 1, Savannah’s co-anchors read a family statement on air thanking supporters and urging anyone with information to call authorities. The family wrote, “Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom.”
As the Guthries wait for answers, here’s what you need to know.
1. Savannah Guthrie Lost Her Father Suddenly in 1988
Savannah’s dad, Charles Guthrie, died of a heart attack when she was just 16. He worked as a mining engineer in Australia before moving the family to Arizona.
In a 2014 essay, Savannah described him as “a seemingly unlikely mix of qualities,” adding that he could “turn a mundane trip to the post office into a rip-roaring tale.”
She later said losing him changed everything. On “Making Space with Hoda Kotb,” she shared, “I know it changed me and probably changed the whole trajectory of my life.”
2. Camron Guthrie Served 26 Years as a Military Pilot
Camron Guthrie is Savannah’s older brother and a former Air National Guard F-16 pilot.
In 2012, he and Savannah flew together in an F-16 during a 2012 “Today” segment. When Camron retired in 2018, Savannah posted a tribute calling him “the pride of our family,” adding, “He has flown for our country for 26 years.”
3. Savannah Guthrie Says Her Family ‘Hung Onto Each Other’
After Charles died, Savannah says the family leaned on one another to survive the loss.
“It was such a shock,” she shared on “Today.” “We were just trying to figure out how to become a family of four when we had always been a family of five.”
She later added that while the loss was devastating, it also made her heart “more tender.”
4. Annie Guthrie Is a Writer, Jeweler & Teacher
Savannah’s sister, Annie Guthrie, is both a creative writer and a jewelry artist.
According to her Arizona Commission on the Arts bio, she teaches creative writing at the University of Arizona Poetry Center, has published work in literary journals, and has written a book on jewelry making. Annie is also a graduate of Warren Wilson College.
5. The Guthrie Siblings Are United in the Search for Their Mom
Savannah, Camron, and Annie have remained publicly united as they wait for answers about Nancy.
On Wednesday, Feb. 4, Guthrie and her siblings shared a video appeal, urging whoever has their mother to come forward and stressing that the family is willing to communicate, while also demanding proof of life.
Both TMZ and a local CBS affiliate reported receiving ransom notes tied to the case, though authorities have not verified their authenticity.
The FBI is now working alongside Arizona law enforcement as the investigation continues.
