Alleged Ransom Note Demands Millions in Bitcoin for Savannah Guthrie's Mother

TMZ claims it received a ransom note threatening Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of the 'Today' anchor.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:31pm

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TMZ reports it has received an alleged ransom note 'demanding payment for the release of Nancy Guthrie,' the 84-year-old mother of 'Today' anchor Savannah Guthrie. The media outlet claims the ransom note was sent on Tuesday, Feb. 3 and 'demands a specific substantial amount of Bitcoin … the amount is in the millions, and the note demands the cryptocurrency be sent to a specific Bitcoin address.' TMZ has verified the Bitcoin address is real and there is a deadline connected to the alleged ransom with an 'or else' threat. The Pima County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case.

Why it matters

Ransom demands and kidnappings targeting high-profile individuals or their family members are extremely serious crimes that can have devastating emotional and financial consequences. The alleged targeting of Savannah Guthrie's elderly mother raises concerns about her safety and security, as well as the broader implications for public figures and their loved ones.

The details

According to TMZ, the alleged ransom note demands a 'specific substantial amount of Bitcoin' in the millions and provides a specific Bitcoin address where the payment should be sent. TMZ claims it has verified that the Bitcoin address is real. The note also includes a deadline and an unspecified 'or else' threat. The Pima County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case and 'taking all tips very seriously.'

  • The alleged ransom note was sent on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of 'Today' anchor Savannah Guthrie, who is the alleged target of the ransom demand.

Savannah Guthrie

The 'Today' anchor whose mother, Nancy Guthrie, is the alleged target of the ransom demand.

Pima County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency investigating the alleged ransom demand and 'taking all tips very seriously.'

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What’s next

The Pima County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case and will likely provide updates on the status of the investigation and any potential suspects or leads.

The takeaway

This alleged ransom demand targeting the mother of a high-profile media personality highlights the serious risks and vulnerabilities that public figures and their loved ones can face. It underscores the importance of robust security measures and the need for law enforcement to thoroughly investigate such threats.