Savannah Guthrie is a longtime “Today” anchor — and right now, she’s asking the public for help as authorities search for her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department launched an urgent investigation after Nancy, 84, disappeared from her Tucson-area home on January 31. Here’s what you need to do.
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’s Mom Helped Shape Her Journalism Career
Nancy welcomed Savannah in Melbourne, Australia, before raising her family in Tucson, Arizona. Savannah has often credited her mom for encouraging her to pursue journalism in college — a nudge that ultimately led to her national TV career.
During a 2023 “Today” segment, Savannah shared that Nancy encouraged her to pursue her dreams, even when it meant moving away.
“If you can’t leave me, then I didn’t do my job right,” Savannah recalled her mom telling her. “She just gave me permission to go… ‘I’m not going to stand in the way of your dreams.’”
Nancy later returned to work after her husband Charles died suddenly when Savannah was 16, taking a job at the University of Arizona so Savannah and her sister Annie could attend school tuition-free.
2. Nancy Guthrie Had 3 Children Before the Family Suffered Unimaginable Loss
Nancy and Charles had three children together: Annie, Camron, and Savannah. After Charles died of a heart attack, Nancy became the family’s anchor.
Savannah has described her mother as remarkably strong during that time.
“She set aside her own grief in many ways just to be there and make sure that we could all move forward together,” she said during a Mother’s Day segment on “Today.”
In a 2024 interview with People, Savannah reflected on losing her father: “It cracked open our family and crushed us. He was our center.”
3. Savannah Guthrie’s Mom Disappeared From Her Tucson Home on January 31
Nancy was last seen around 9:30 p.m. local time at her residence near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue in Arizona. The sheriff’s department said she did not leave on her own.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that the investigation has shifted from a search mission to a crime scene investigation.
“Time is not on our side,” Nanos said, via the New York Times. He added that Nancy is “sharp as a tack” and has no cognitive issues, but does have physical limitations.
Authorities believe she was taken from her home sometime overnight. No suspects have been identified, and officials said there is no credible information that she was specifically targeted. The department also confirmed it is working with the FBI to validate reports of possible ransom notes.
“She did not leave [her home] on her own, we know that,” Nanos said. “I hope we find her safe and sound, but we can’t ignore what’s in front of us.”
4. Savannah Guthrie Stepped Away From ‘Today’ as the Search Intensified
Savannah was absent from “Today” on February 2, as co-anchors shared a statement on behalf of her family.
“I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers, and messages of support,” the statement read. “Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom.”
Sheriff’s officials described Nancy as a vulnerable adult who may have been exposed to cold weather overnight.
5. Family Memories Show Nancy Guthrie’s Lasting Impact
Nancy once joined Savannah on “Today” in 2015 for an emotional trip back to Australia, where they visited the hospital where Savannah was born and their first home. Savannah has also shared that her mom always told her, “When you came, I knew my family was complete.”
Those close to the family say Nancy’s steady presence helped guide Savannah into adulthood — and now that same family is leaning on public support during the search.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.
