Savannah Guthrie's Mom Nancy Remains Missing After Abduction

Retired FBI agent says Guthrie used 'code word' in video message to captor

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, has been missing for eight days after being abducted from her Tucson, Arizona home. Savannah released a video message to the captor, using the word 'celebrate' which a retired FBI agent says signals a desire for a peaceful resolution. The police have found blood at the home, conducted searches with K9 units, and received ransom notes, but Nancy remains missing.

Why it matters

The abduction of Savannah Guthrie's mother has garnered national attention, raising concerns about her safety and the ongoing investigation. The use of a 'code word' in the video message highlights the delicate nature of hostage negotiations, as law enforcement works to secure Nancy's safe return.

The details

In the video message, Savannah Guthrie pleaded for her mother's return, using the word 'celebrate' which a retired FBI agent says signals a desire for a peaceful resolution, not confrontation. The Pima County Sheriff's Department has searched Nancy's home multiple times, finding blood and receiving ransom notes, but she remains missing. The FBI has also gotten involved in the investigation, which is ongoing.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her Tucson home on the evening of Saturday, January 31.
  • The abduction was reported on February 1, and Savannah Guthrie released a video message on February 7.
  • One ransom note has a deadline of Monday, February 9 at 5 p.m.

The players

Savannah Guthrie

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

Nancy Guthrie

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

Jason Pack

A retired FBI special agent and crisis negotiator who commented on Savannah Guthrie's use of the word 'celebrate' in her video message.

Pima County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency investigating Nancy Guthrie's abduction, including searching her home and receiving ransom notes.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency that has gotten involved in the investigation and is assisting local authorities.

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What they’re saying

“The word 'celebrate' stood out to me immediately. Savannah didn't say 'surrender her' or 'give her back.' She said return her so we can 'celebrate'. That's the language of resolution, not confrontation.”

— Jason Pack, Retired FBI special agent and crisis negotiator (Daily Mail)

“In any negotiation, you want to offer the other party a way to see this ending positively and peacefully for them too.”

— Jason Pack, Retired FBI special agent and crisis negotiator (Daily Mail)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Monday, February 9 at 5 p.m. whether to allow the captor to receive the ransom payment.

The takeaway

The abduction of Savannah Guthrie's mother has highlighted the delicate nature of hostage negotiations, with law enforcement working to secure Nancy's safe return through careful communication and strategic moves. The investigation is ongoing, and the community continues to hope for Nancy's safe recovery.