Ransom Note Demands $6 Million for 'Today' Host's Missing Mother

Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared from her Tucson home on Feb. 1 and has not been seen since.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 10:55pm

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A purported ransom note in the apparent kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie, demanded $6 million, according to a report. Multiple ransom notes have been sent to local news outlets, and one included specific details from the crime scene at Guthrie's home and the $6 million demand. Police have said they have no suspects or people of interest in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, who was last seen on Jan. 31.

Why it matters

The kidnapping of a high-profile television personality's elderly mother has captured national attention and raises concerns about the safety of vulnerable seniors, the prevalence of ransom schemes, and the challenges law enforcement faces in resolving such cases.

The details

According to the report, multiple ransom notes have been sent to local news outlets, and one included specific details from the crime scene at Guthrie's home and a demand for $6 million in Bitcoin. Police have said the scene indicated Guthrie did not just wander off and leave voluntarily, with blood found inside her home and on the front steps. Authorities have not publicly confirmed the legitimacy of the ransom notes, and one California man was arrested last week for sending fake ransom notes in the case.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen on Jan. 31 at dinner with her daughter Annie.
  • Guthrie was reported missing after failing to attend church on Feb. 1.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie who disappeared from her Tucson, Arizona home on Feb. 1.

Savannah Guthrie

The host of the 'Today' show and daughter of Nancy Guthrie.

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What they’re saying

“We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

— Savannah Guthrie, Today Show Host

“There is no question in my mind that every word of that statement was carefully honed with the assistance of the FBI experts who are advising the family.”

— Andrew McCabe, Former FBI Deputy Director

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the California man arrested for sending fake ransom notes to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This high-profile kidnapping case highlights the vulnerability of the elderly, the prevalence of ransom schemes, and the challenges law enforcement faces in resolving such complex cases, even with the involvement of national media figures like Savannah Guthrie.