Search for Savannah Guthrie's Mom Nancy Guthrie Could Take 'Years': Sheriff

Authorities continue intensive search for the 84-year-old woman who went missing earlier this month.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators are still 'looking hard' amid the ongoing search for Savannah Guthrie's mom, Nancy Guthrie, who went missing on February 1. Nanos noted the search could take 'weeks or months or years' to find Nancy and her abductor, but vowed authorities 'won't quit' until she is located.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother has garnered national attention, with the Today show co-host making public pleas for information. The case highlights the challenges law enforcement can face in locating missing persons, especially elderly individuals, and the emotional toll it takes on families.

The details

On February 1, a family member reported Nancy Guthrie missing, triggering an intensive search effort. Authorities have deployed SWAT teams, forensics officers, and numerous law enforcement vehicles to Nancy's Tucson, Arizona neighborhood as part of the investigation. While a man was briefly questioned, he was ultimately released without charges. The FBI is assisting local authorities with the case, which Sheriff Nanos says could take an indeterminate amount of time to resolve.

  • On February 1, Nancy Guthrie was reported missing by a family member.
  • On February 3, Sheriff Chris Nanos appeared on the Today show, describing the search as 'a race against time'.
  • On February 13, multiple law enforcement units were spotted in Nancy's neighborhood, but no arrests were made.

The players

Savannah Guthrie

The co-host of the Today show and daughter of Nancy Guthrie.

Nancy Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother who went missing on February 1.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who is overseeing the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

Charles Guthrie

Nancy Guthrie's late husband, who died in 1988 after a heart attack.

Annie Guthrie

One of Nancy Guthrie's daughters, along with Savannah and Camron.

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What they’re saying

“Maybe it's an hour from now. Maybe it's weeks or months or years from now. But we won't quit. We're going to find Nancy. We're going to find this guy.”

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

“Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God's precious daughter, Nancy. We believe and know that even in this valley, He is with you. Everyone is looking for you, Mommy, everywhere. We will not rest.”

— Savannah Guthrie (Instagram)

“Nancy is our mother, we are her children. She is our beacon. She holds fast to joy and all of life's circumstances. She chooses joy day after day despite having already passed through great trials of pain and grief. We are always going to be merely human. Just normal human people who need our mom. Mama, if you're listening, we need you to come home. We miss you.”

— Annie Guthrie (Instagram)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement can face in locating missing persons, especially elderly individuals, and the emotional toll it takes on families. It also underscores the importance of community support and public awareness in aiding these types of investigations.