As the search for Nancy Guthrie — the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie — enters its fourth day, law enforcement officials say they are increasingly hopeful that she is still alive.
In a statement shared this week, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos emphasized that authorities believe Nancy was taken from her home against her will and remain optimistic about her survival, even as investigators work through limited leads and the case evolves into a criminal investigation.
Nanos Believes Nanos Is Alive
“We have nothing else to go on but the belief that she is here,” Nanos told the “Today” show in a Wednesday, Feb. 4, interview.
He added, “She’s present. She’s alive, and we want to save her.”
Nanos acknowledged that the case appears to involve a crime, not a simple missing-person situation, and that authorities are working closely with the FBI as they pursue every available lead.
Despite the urgency of the search, officials have been transparent about the challenges they face: no suspects have been identified, and law enforcement continues to appeal to the public for tips that could help locate her.
A tip line has been established through the sheriff’s office, and authorities are reviewing surveillance footage, witness statements and any other information that might provide a clue to her whereabouts.
Evidence and Ongoing Investigation
Nancy was reported missing on Feb. 1, 2026, after failing to attend a church service and being unreachable by family.
She lives alone in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson, Arizona, and because she requires daily medication to manage serious health conditions, concerns grew quickly among relatives and law enforcement about her well-being.
Investigators previously described signs of a possible forced entry and a trail of what appeared to be blood at Nancy’s Arizona home, leading them to treat the residence as a crime scene.
Officials also noted that Nancy’s personal belongings — including her wallet, cellphone and vehicle — remained at the home, reinforcing the belief that she left under distressing circumstances.
While evidence collection remains ongoing, authorities have stressed that no definitive suspect information has been released per a statement that was released on Wednesday, Feb. 4.
Nancy is described as mentally sharp and of sound mind, despite having limited mobility due to health issues.
Law enforcement officials have said they do not believe she wandered off on her own, given her physical limitations and need for regular medication.
Family and Community Reaction
Savannah Guthrie temporarily stepped back from her “Today” show duties — including planned Winter Olympics coverage — to be with her family in Arizona and support the ongoing search efforts.
In a public social-media message, she asked supporters to “raise your prayers” with her family, calling her mother “a woman of deep conviction” and expressing gratitude for the public’s concern and assistance.
As time passes and the investigation continues, authorities remain hopeful that Nancy will be found safe, and they continue to urge anyone with information related to her disappearance to come forward.
