Savannah Guthrie Pleads for Mother's Return After Kidnapping

Family says they will pay ransom to ensure Nancy Guthrie's safe return as Monday deadline approaches

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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A week after Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her home outside Tucson, Arizona, her daughter Savannah Guthrie and other family members have publicly announced they will follow the demands of the kidnappers to ensure her return. The family has received multiple ransom notes, some of which have been revealed as fake, but the latest note included a Monday deadline for the ransom payment.

Why it matters

The high-profile kidnapping of a family member of a prominent TV news anchor has captured national attention, raising concerns about public safety and the ability of law enforcement to respond to such incidents, especially with the proliferation of false ransom demands complicating the investigation.

The details

Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of TODAY anchor Savannah Guthrie, was abducted from her home late on January 31. Local police and the FBI have investigated numerous tips but have yet to identify any suspects. The family has received multiple ransom notes, some of which have been revealed as fake, but the latest note included a Monday deadline for the ransom payment.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home on Saturday, January 31.
  • Nancy Guthrie has been missing for over a week as of February 8, 2026.
  • The latest ransom note received by the family included a Monday deadline.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of TODAY anchor Savannah Guthrie who was abducted from her home outside Tucson, Arizona.

Savannah Guthrie

The TODAY anchor and daughter of Nancy Guthrie who has publicly pleaded for her mother's safe return.

Camron Guthrie

Nancy Guthrie's son who posted a video on his sister's Instagram account asking the kidnappers to reach out.

Annie Guthrie

Nancy Guthrie's daughter who appeared in the latest video with Savannah and Camron pledging to pay the ransom.

Andrew McCabe

The former FBI Deputy Director who believes the Guthrie family is working with hostage negotiators and experienced agents.

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What they’re saying

“Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you. We haven't heard anything directly. We need you to reach out, and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward.”

— Camron Guthrie (Instagram)

“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 (CNN)

“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 (CNN)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Monday whether to allow the ransom payment to be made in exchange for Nancy Guthrie's safe return.

The takeaway

This high-profile kidnapping case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in responding to such incidents, especially with the proliferation of false ransom demands complicating the investigation. The Guthrie family's public pleas for their mother's return and willingness to pay the ransom underscore the emotional toll of these crimes on victims' loved ones.