Search Continues for Savannah Guthrie's Missing Mother

Ransom demands escalate as FBI investigates potential abduction

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of 'Today' show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has entered its second week as authorities investigate ransom demands for her return. The FBI is looking into two emails, including one containing a ransom note with a deadline set for later on Monday. A previous deadline of 5 p.m. Thursday has already passed, with ransom payment demanded in bitcoin. Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have released a video plea appealing for their 84-year-old mother's safe return.

Why it matters

The high-profile nature of this case, involving the mother of a prominent TV personality, has drawn significant national attention. The escalating ransom demands and potential involvement of organized crime raise concerns about Nancy Guthrie's wellbeing and the challenges authorities face in resolving the situation.

The details

Investigators have been searching Nancy Guthrie's home, including examining a septic tank in the backyard, and have removed a camera from the roof and towed an SUV from the garage. They are also canvassing nearby gas stations and reviewing surveillance footage from around the time of her disappearance on February 1. The FBI is looking into the credibility of the ransom messages, which were sent to a local TV station.

  • Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1.
  • A previous ransom deadline of 5 p.m. Thursday has already passed.
  • A new ransom deadline is set for later on Monday.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show co-host Savannah Guthrie, who was reported missing from her Arizona home on February 1.

Savannah Guthrie

The co-host of the 'Today' show and one of Nancy Guthrie's three children who have released a video plea for her safe return.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency investigating Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, including looking into ransom demands and searching her property.

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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 People can celebrate with her. Here's the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us and we will pay.”

— Savannah Guthrie (KOLD)

“We pray for Nancy's rescue, we pray for her release, we pray that she will be brought safely home.”

— Reverend Dr. John Tittle, Reverend (St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This high-profile case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in resolving kidnapping situations, especially when ransom demands escalate and the involvement of organized crime is suspected. The community's prayers and pleas for Nancy Guthrie's safe return underscore the human tragedy at the heart of this unfolding story.