Savannah Guthrie's Mother Vanishes from Tucson Home

Authorities search for clues after 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie disappears, with reports of a ransom demand.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 8:55am

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The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie, has captivated the nation as authorities in Tucson, Arizona search for clues. Police found signs of an abduction at Guthrie's home, including a red splatter on the doorstep and damage inside and out. A reported ransom note demanding millions in Bitcoin has further complicated the investigation, which has drawn intense media attention.

Why it matters

The high-profile nature of this case, involving the mother of a nationally known television personality, has sparked widespread interest and concern. It also raises questions about security and safety in Tucson's affluent neighborhoods, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces when investigating a high-profile missing persons case.

The details

According to authorities, Nancy Guthrie was last seen on Saturday evening when her son-in-law dropped her off at her home after dinner with her daughter Annie. When Guthrie did not show up for church the next morning, her family went to check on her and found her wallet, cellphone, and car still at the house, but Guthrie herself was missing. Police said there were signs of a forced abduction, including the red splatter on the doorstep. A reported ransom note demanding millions in Bitcoin has also emerged, though officials have not confirmed its authenticity.

  • On Saturday evening, February 1, Nancy Guthrie had dinner with her daughter Annie and son-in-law.
  • Around 9:45 pm on February 1, Nancy Guthrie's son-in-law dropped her off at her home and made sure she got inside safely.
  • On Sunday morning, February 2, when Guthrie did not show up for church, her family went to check on her and discovered she was missing.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her Tucson, Arizona home.

Savannah Guthrie

The popular 'Today' show host and Tucson native whose mother's disappearance has captivated the nation.

Annie Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's older sister, who lives next door to their mother Nancy in Tucson.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County sheriff leading the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

Connie Cohn

A longtime Tucson resident who lives next door to Savannah Guthrie's sister Annie and has been closely following the case.

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What they’re saying

“This is really, for me, pretty new, all the media attention. It's just too tough, and it's not fair to the case.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (The New York Times)

“The reality is, it's another crime. We need to focus on the mission. We want to find Nancy, first and foremost. And we want to find her alive.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (The New York Times)

“I feel like I know her.”

— Connie Cohn, Tucson Resident (The New York Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow any suspects out on bail.

The takeaway

This high-profile case has shaken the Tucson community and raised concerns about security and safety in affluent neighborhoods, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces when investigating a missing persons case involving a celebrity's family member.