Chilling Threat in Ransom Note as Search for Savannah Guthrie's Mom Continues

Nancy Guthrie has been missing for 10 days after being suspected of being kidnapped from her home in Tucson, Arizona.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The suspected kidnappers of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of 'Today' show co-host Savannah Guthrie, have made a chilling threat in their ransom note as the search for the 84-year-old woman enters its 10th day. The ransom note demanded $6 million in bitcoin and set two deadlines that have now passed without the family paying the ransom. Savannah Guthrie has pleaded for the public's help and prayers as the family remains desperate to bring her mother home safely.

Why it matters

The high-profile kidnapping of a celebrity's family member has gripped the nation, raising concerns about public safety and the ability of law enforcement to respond to such incidents. The case also highlights the growing threat of cryptocurrency-based ransom demands and the difficult decisions families face when their loved ones are taken hostage.

The details

According to reports, Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 when she was dropped off at her home in Tucson, Arizona after having dinner with her daughter Annie and son-in-law Tommasso Cioni. She was reported missing the next day when she failed to arrive at a friend's home for a virtual church service. Police believe she was likely abducted from her home while sleeping. The suspected kidnappers have sent two ransom notes to local media outlets, the first with a deadline of February 5 and the second with a deadline of February 9, both demanding $6 million in bitcoin. The family has agreed to pay the ransom but has not yet done so, as the FBI continues its investigation.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31, 2026.
  • Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, 2026.
  • The first ransom note was received with a deadline of February 5, 2026 at 5 p.m. local time.
  • The second ransom note was received with a deadline of February 9, 2026 at 5 p.m. local time.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show co-host Savannah Guthrie, who was suspected of being kidnapped from her home in Tucson, Arizona.

Savannah Guthrie

The co-host of the 'Today' show who has been absent from the program as she remains in Tucson, Arizona searching for her missing mother.

Annie Guthrie

The daughter of Nancy Guthrie and sister of Savannah Guthrie.

Tommasso Cioni

The son-in-law of Nancy Guthrie, who is the husband of her daughter Annie.

Heith Janke

The FBI Phoenix special agent who confirmed the existence of the ransom notes with deadlines.

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What they’re saying

“It is in the best interest of everyone to have this completed as soon as possible.”

— Suspected Kidnappers (TMZ)

“We believe that somehow, someway, she is feeling these prayers and that God is lifting her even in this moment and in this darkest place.”

— Savannah Guthrie, TV Personality (Savannah Guthrie)

“We are at an hour of desperation, and we need your help.”

— Savannah Guthrie, TV Personality (Savannah Guthrie)

What’s next

The FBI continues its investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, and the family remains hopeful that she will be found safe. The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the suspected kidnappers out on bail.

The takeaway

This high-profile kidnapping case highlights the growing threat of cryptocurrency-based ransom demands and the difficult decisions families face when their loved ones are taken hostage. It also raises concerns about public safety and the ability of law enforcement to respond to such incidents, especially in cases involving celebrity family members.