Savannah Guthrie Increases Reward for Missing Mom Nancy to $1 Million

The Today show host is hoping the new reward will incentivize those with information to come forward.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of the Today show, has increased the reward for any information leading to the recovery of her 84-year-old mother Nancy Guthrie or an arrest in her disappearance case to "up to $1 million". Nancy went missing from her Arizona home on February 1, and authorities believe she was kidnapped. The FBI has also set a $100,000 reward. Savannah said the family is "blowing on the embers of hope" that Nancy will be returned, but acknowledged she may have already passed away. In addition to the reward, the Guthrie family has donated $500,000 to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has garnered national attention, with Savannah Guthrie using her platform on the Today show to plead for information. The increased reward reflects the family's desperation to find answers and bring Nancy home, either alive or to provide closure. This case also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in missing persons cases, especially when there is little physical evidence.

The details

Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped from her Arizona home in the early hours of February 1. Surveillance footage shows a male suspect, described as around 5'9" to 5'10" with an average build, tampering with Nancy's doorbell camera. The investigation has been complicated by mixed DNA evidence found inside Nancy's home. Multiple alleged ransom notes have been sent to local media demanding multi-million dollar payments, though it's unclear if the family has made any payments.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen by family on the night of January 31.
  • Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on the morning of February 1.
  • Savannah Guthrie announced the $1 million reward on February 24.

The players

Savannah Guthrie

The co-anchor of the Today show and Nancy Guthrie's daughter.

Nancy Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother who was kidnapped from her Arizona home.

Pima County Sheriff's Department

The local law enforcement agency investigating Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency assisting in the investigation and offering a $100,000 reward.

Unidentified male suspect

A male suspect captured on surveillance footage tampering with Nancy Guthrie's doorbell camera on the night she disappeared.

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What they’re saying

“We also know that she may be lost, she may already be gone. She may already have gone home to the Lord that she loves and is dancing in Heaven... and if this is what is to be, then we will accept it. But we need to know where she is. We need her to come home.”

— Savannah Guthrie, Co-anchor, Today show (People)

“Please, if you hear this message; if you've been waiting and you haven't been sure, let this be your sign to please come forward, tell what you know and help us bring our beloved mom home so that we can either celebrate a glorious, miraculous homecoming or we can celebrate the beautiful, brave and courageous and noble life that she has lived. Please be the light in the dark.”

— Savannah Guthrie, Co-anchor, Today show (People)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the unidentified male suspect out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the immense challenges families face when a loved one goes missing, and the importance of offering substantial rewards to incentivize those with information to come forward. It also underscores the need for improved surveillance and security measures to prevent such tragedies in the first place.