Annie Guthrie is the sister of “Today” anchor Savannah Guthrie, and she is now at the center of a growing investigation surrounding their missing mother, Nancy Guthrie. Law enforcement confirmed this week that Nancy, 84, was taken from her Tucson home against her will, prompting FBI involvement and an active crime-scene investigation. Here’s what you need to know.
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. Annie Guthrie Was the Last Person to See Nancy Before She Disappeared
Authorities say Annie was the final family member to see Nancy on January 31, after dropping her off at her Tucson-area home following dinner.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos later confirmed, “We do believe Nancy was taken from her home against her will.”
Annie reportedly did not notice any immediate red flags that evening. By Sunday, Nancy had vanished. Investigators now treat the residence as a crime scene, and the FBI joined the case as the search intensified.
2. Savannah Guthrie’s Sister Lives in Tucson With Husband Tommaso Cioni as FBI Joins Search
Annie lives close to Nancy in Tucson with her husband, Tommaso Cioni.
FBI agents and sheriff’s deputies were seen leaving Annie’s home on Tuesday after a two-hour meeting that reportedly included Savannah, according to Page Six.
Officials have not commented on the discussion, but the visit marked a significant escalation in the investigation.
Nancy’s disappearance remains unexplained, and Sheriff Nanos emphasized the urgency, saying, “Time is not on our side.”
3. Annie Guthrie’s Job: Writer, Jeweler, and University of Arizona Marketing Director
Outside of this devastating situation, Annie built a career in the arts. She works as Marketing Director at the University of Arizona Poetry Center, according to her bio page for the school, and also designs custom jewelry in platinum, gold, and silver from her Tucson metalsmithing studio.
She once described her upbringing as deeply creative, noting that her family was “book-centered” and that her mother required all the children to keep journals.
“My mom always made us keep diaries,” Annie shared with Women’s Quarterly Conversation. “Writing just became part of who I am.”
4. Annie Guthrie Says Mom Nancy Was the Family’s ‘Bright North Star’
Annie previously called Nancy “our bright north star” on social media and often praised her mother’s strength after their father, Charles Guthrie, died suddenly of a heart attack.
“I feel like my mom did such a unique and amazing job to create this foundation for us,” Annie once said on “Today.” “To know how to be a good sister is to know how to be a good friend.”
She added of Savannah, “My sister and I are like the sun and the moon. Her sorrows are my sorrows. And her successes are my successes.”
5. Savannah Guthrie and Her SisterAnnie Are Rallying the Public for Help
Savannah stepped away from “Today” this week as the family focused on Nancy’s safe return.
A statement shared by co-anchors read, “Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom.”
Sheriff Nanos confirmed Nancy did not leave voluntarily and said she is mentally sharp but physically vulnerable.
“I hope we find her safe and sound,” he said, adding that investigators “can’t ignore what’s in front of us.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.
1 thought on “Savannah Guthrie’s Sister Annie: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know UPDATE”