Savannah Guthrie is the longtime co-host of “Today,” and she’s currently navigating both motherhood and an unthinkable family crisis following the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie. As she balances life on camera with life at home alongside husband Michael Feldman and their two children, Vale and Charley, here’s what you need to do.
February 8, 2026 Update: Law Enforcement Activity and Ransom Demand in Nancy Guthrie Search
As the search continues for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Savannah Guthrie, law enforcement activity has drawn attention to the Tucson home of Savannah’s sister, Annie Guthrie, and her husband, Tommaso Cioni.
Videos circulating on social media show authorities at Annie’s residence, with camera flashes visible as deputies appeared to document the scene. One X user claimed Annie and Tommaso were not home at the time.
Journalist Brian Entin reported on X that deputies remained at the home for several hours while investigating. “Flashes still going off in Annie Guthrie’s home. Definitely taking photos,” Entin wrote. In a later update, he added, “All the deputies have left Annie Guthrie’s house. The last one came out wearing blue gloves. They were inside for about 3 hours.”
Amid the investigation, a local television station reported that individuals claiming to have kidnapped Nancy Guthrie are demanding $6 million in Bitcoin.
“Multiple ransom notes have been sent out to the media, including one that was sent to us,” JJ McKinney of KGUN9 said. “In the letter, the potential kidnappers demanded that the Guthries pay them $6 million before this Monday.”
Savannah later appeared in a joint message alongside her siblings, Annie and Camron Guthrie, pleading publicly for their mother’s return.
“We received your message and we understand,” Savannah said in an Instagram video.
“We beg you now to return our mother to us, so that we can celebrate with her,” she continued, adding that their mother’s return is “very valuable to us” and confirming, “we will pay.”
“This is the only way we will have peace,” Savannah said.
UPDATE February 5, 2026, 10 am est: 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.
Family friend Sally Shamrell helped arrange a community prayer gathering and appeared on Today on Thursday, Feb. 5, where she spoke emotionally about Nancy’s impact on those around her. Shamrell described her as a second mother figure, calling her a deeply loving and respected presence in the community — someone known for her warmth, intelligence, and kindness.
1. Savannah Guthrie Met Her Husband, Michael Feldman, at a Birthday Party
Savannah first met Michael Feldman in October 2008 at his 40th birthday party, shortly after her split from her first husband, Mark Orchard. The two began dating the following year and got engaged in 2013.
“I met a man named Mike Feldman at a party, a political consultant who made me laugh,” Savannah wrote in Guideposts. “We fell in love.”
Their engagement story came with a twist. Savannah later shared on “Today” that she had actually broken up with Feldman on vacation in Turks and Caicos just before he proposed.
“I was like, ‘Sweetie, I love you so much, but if we can’t decide, then I think we’ve decided,’” she recalled. Shortly after, Feldman popped the question.
They married in March 2014 in Tucson, Arizona. Their wedding doubled as a pregnancy announcement, as Savannah revealed they were expecting their first child.
2. The ‘Today’ Host Welcomed Daughter Vale and Son Charley After 40
Savannah and Michael welcomed daughter Vale Guthrie Feldman on August 13, 2014. A few days later, Savannah explained the meaning behind her name on “Today.”
“We thought it was pretty unique, but not kooky or weird,” she said.
Their son, Charles “Charley” Max Feldman, arrived on December 8, 2016, after Savannah underwent IVF.
“I knew it was the winning lottery ticket to have one child,” she told Health. “But with Charley, I did do IVF. So I would say Vale was a miracle, and Charley was a medical miracle.”
Savannah has often spoken about becoming a mom later in life.
“I’ll never get over it,” she told People. “I got to have babies long past the time that anyone would really be hopeful.”
3. Savannah Guthrie’s Kids Won’t Have Smartphones Anytime Soon
Savannah has made clear she’s protecting Vale and Charley’s childhood for as long as possible.
“My conversation about social media is, ‘No,’” she told E! News in October 2025. “And my conversation about a smartphone is, ‘No.’ My kids are 8 and 11… I just want to hold off as long as possible.”
She has also shared tender moments from early motherhood, including bringing Vale home from the hospital.
“I’m always going to love you. I’m always going to protect you,” she recalled telling her newborn.
4. Savannah Guthrie’s Family Is Facing a Terrifying Crisis
On January 31, 2026, Savannah’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, was reported missing from her Arizona home. Authorities later classified the residence as a crime scene and said they believe Nancy was taken during the night.
She addressed the situation on Instagram, writing, “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.”
Savannah stepped away from “Today” as law enforcement continued investigating.
5. Michael Feldman Stays Steady Amid Her Busy Career and Family Crisis
Savannah has repeatedly credited Michael for supporting her demanding schedule.
“He’s the absolute warrior of our family,” she previously said, noting how Feldman often handles mornings with the kids while she heads to work.
Now, as the family faces the frightening disappearance of Savannah’s mother, Feldman is also helping navigate the public side of the crisis. Feldman, 57, told Page Six on Tuesday morning that he doesn’t “have anything new to report” as the search continues.
The public relations and communications consultant added that he’s “just being responsive” but feels “mostly unhelpful” amid the gut-wrenching situation. Still, Feldman expressed appreciation for the media’s coverage, thanking outlets for their “thoughtfulness.”
