Tucson Community Shaken by Disappearance of 'Today' Host's Mother

Nancy Guthrie, 84, vanished from her home, sparking a high-profile investigation and outpouring of support for her daughter Savannah Guthrie

Feb. 11, 2026 at 5:47am

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The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie, has captivated the Tucson, Arizona community and the nation. Authorities say there are signs of an abduction at Guthrie's home, and a ransom note demanding millions in Bitcoin has been reported. The intense media attention has complicated the investigation, but the sheriff says finding Guthrie alive is the top priority.

Why it matters

The case has shaken the quiet Tucson neighborhood where Guthrie has lived for decades and where her daughter Savannah grew up. As a beloved local figure and the mother of a national TV personality, Guthrie's disappearance has sparked an outpouring of concern from the community and the country.

The details

Police were called on Sunday after Guthrie, 84, did not show up for church. Her wallet, cellphone, and car were found at her home, but she was missing. Authorities say there were signs of a struggle and abduction at the home. A ransom note demanding millions in Bitcoin has been reported, and the FBI is investigating. The intense media attention has complicated the investigation, but the sheriff says finding Guthrie alive is the top priority.

  • On Saturday evening, Guthrie had dinner with her daughter Annie and son-in-law.
  • Around 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, Guthrie's son-in-law dropped her off at her home and made sure she made it inside safely.
  • When Guthrie did not show up for church on Sunday morning, someone contacted her family, who went to check on her.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who went missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona. She is the mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie.

Savannah Guthrie

The host of the 'Today' show and a hometown hero in Tucson, where she grew up and her mother still lives.

Chris Nanos

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

Connie Cohn

A longtime Tucson resident who lives next door to Nancy Guthrie's older daughter, Annie Guthrie.

Jorge Gomez

A recent retiree who has lived in the Tucson neighborhood for about 10 years and is on edge since Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

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What they’re saying

“This is really, for me, pretty new, all the media attention. It's just too tough, and it's not fair to the case.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (The New York Times)

“The reality is, it's another crime. We need to focus on the mission. We want to find Nancy, first and foremost. And we want to find her alive.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (The New York Times)

“She's part of our community. She hasn't lived here for years, but boy, everybody watches that 'Today' show.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (The New York Times)

“I feel like I know her.”

— Connie Cohn (The New York Times)

“We are heartbroken. I can't believe what the family's going through.”

— Jorge Gomez, Tucson Resident (The New York Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the suspect out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the intense media scrutiny and community concern that can arise when a high-profile person's family member goes missing, raising questions about privacy, public safety, and the challenges of investigating such a sensitive situation.