Ransom Notes for Missing Today Show Host's Mother Raise Concerns

Ex-FBI agent says alleged kidnappers seem more interested in 'play' than money

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for over a week. Alleged ransom notes have been sent to local news stations, but an ex-FBI agent says the individuals behind them do not appear to be interested in money and may have more sinister motives.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has garnered national attention, and the unusual nature of the ransom notes has raised concerns about her wellbeing and the intentions of her alleged captors. As the investigation continues, law enforcement and the public are closely watching the case for any developments.

The details

According to former FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer, the alleged kidnappers have not made typical demands for a ransom payment, such as contacting the family directly or providing an easy way to pay. Coffindaffer says the notes seem more focused on 'the play and the horrific way they're treating this family' than on actually receiving money. She also notes that the latest message did not include proof of life, suggesting Nancy Guthrie may no longer be alive.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in Tucson, Arizona on Saturday, February 4.
  • An alleged ransom note was sent to local news stations and TMZ after her disappearance, with a deadline of 5 p.m. on Monday, February 6.
  • A second alleged ransom note warned that missing the 5 p.m. deadline on Monday, February 9 would be "far more consequential" than the previous Friday deadline.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, who has been missing for over a week.

Savannah Guthrie

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

Jennifer Coffindaffer

A former FBI agent who has provided analysis on the case.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff, who is leading the criminal investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who has offered federal assistance in the case.

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What they’re saying

“This seems to be like they're more interested in the play and in the horrific way they're treating this family than in the money that they hope to receive.”

— Jennifer Coffindaffer, Former FBI agent (KTLA)

“We have a lot of work in front of us. We have a job to do, and we have someone's life who is in jeopardy, and so job number one is we got to find her and we got to work hard to do that.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (News conference)

“I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family's, and Local Law Enforcement's, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY. We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY!”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

What’s next

Anyone with information relating to Nancy Guthrie's disappearance is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the recovery of Nancy and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.

The takeaway

The unusual nature of the ransom notes and the lack of typical ransom demands have raised serious concerns about Nancy Guthrie's wellbeing and the intentions of her alleged captors. As the investigation continues, law enforcement and the public are closely watching this high-profile case, hoping for a safe return of the 84-year-old mother.