Search Continues for Missing Savannah Guthrie's Mother

Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing on Feb. 1 from her home in Tucson, Arizona

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

The desperate search for the mother of NBC's 'TODAY' show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, Nancy Guthrie, is ongoing, with mounting questions about what happened to the 84-year-old and concerns for her physical health. Authorities have described the case as a possible kidnapping or abduction, and there have been reports of ransom notes. The FBI has released photos and video of a potential subject, and a man was briefly detained but later released. The investigation has uncovered a timeline of events and some evidence, but many details remain unknown.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of a high-profile TV personality, has captured national attention and raised concerns about public safety in the Tucson area. The investigation has also highlighted the challenges of dealing with potential ransom demands and the importance of quickly mobilizing law enforcement resources in missing persons cases.

The details

Authorities have said Nancy Guthrie was last known to have visited family on Jan. 31 and returned home that evening. She was reported missing around noon on Feb. 1 after not showing up at a friend's house to watch a virtual church service. The Pima County Sheriff's Department believes Guthrie was taken 'possibly in the middle of the night, and that includes possible kidnapping or abduction.' Blood found on the porch outside Guthrie's house tested positive for her DNA, but officials have not commented on whether there was forced entry. Guthrie's cellphone was left at home, and no suspect or person of interest has been identified. The FBI has released surveillance photos and videos of a potential armed subject wearing a ski mask and approaching Guthrie's home.

  • On January 31, Guthrie left her home in an Uber to visit family members around 5:32 p.m. and was dropped off at home around 9:48 p.m.
  • At 1:47 a.m. on February 1, Guthrie's doorbell camera was disconnected.
  • At 2:12 a.m. on February 1, software detected a person on camera, but no video was available.
  • At 2:28 a.m. on February 1, Guthrie's pacemaker disconnected from her phone.
  • Around 11:56 a.m. on February 1, Guthrie's family went to check on her and discovered she was missing.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of NBC's 'TODAY' show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who was reported missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona on February 1.

Savannah Guthrie

The co-anchor of the NBC 'TODAY' show and daughter of Nancy Guthrie, who has been pleading for her mother's safe return.

Pima County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency leading the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency assisting the Pima County Sheriff's Department in the investigation and offering a $50,000 reward for information.

Carlos Palazuelos

A man who was briefly detained and questioned by authorities but later released without being arrested.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace.”

— Savannah Guthrie, TODAY Show Co-Anchor (Instagram)

“We believe our mom is still out there. We are at an hour of desperation, and we need your help.”

— Savannah Guthrie, TODAY Show Co-Anchor (Instagram)

What’s next

The FBI and Pima County Sheriff's Department continue to investigate the case, analyze digital evidence, and search for any leads or potential witnesses. The Guthrie family has made emotional pleas for the public's help in finding Nancy Guthrie.

The takeaway

This high-profile missing persons case has highlighted the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with potential kidnappings and ransom demands, as well as the importance of quickly mobilizing resources and engaging the public to help locate a missing individual, especially one with significant health concerns.