Savannah Guthrie Pleads for Mother's Return After Alleged Kidnapping

The Today show host urges the person who took her 84-year-old mother to "do the right thing" and return her.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Savannah Guthrie has released a video pleading for the safe return of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, who was allegedly kidnapped from her Tucson, Arizona home on January 31. The search for the 84-year-old woman has continued for over two weeks, with authorities offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to her recovery. Guthrie expressed hope that her mother is still alive and urged the person responsible to "do the right thing" and return her.

Why it matters

The high-profile kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie's elderly mother has captured national attention and raised concerns about the safety of vulnerable individuals. The case also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in solving such crimes, especially when there are few leads or witnesses. The public plea from Guthrie underscores the emotional toll on families dealing with a loved one's disappearance.

The details

Nancy Guthrie was last seen the night of January 31 and was reported missing the next day after failing to arrive at a friend's house. Authorities have released footage of a person tampering with the doorbell at Nancy Guthrie's home and have discovered DNA evidence that does not belong to her or anyone close to her. The FBI is working to identify the source of the unknown DNA, which appears to match the gloves worn by the person seen in the doorbell footage.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the night of January 31, 2026.
  • Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, 2026 after failing to arrive at a friend's house.
  • Authorities released doorbell camera footage and offered a $100,000 reward in the days following Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

The players

Savannah Guthrie

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

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who was allegedly kidnapped from her home in Tucson, Arizona on January 31, 2026.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency that is assisting local authorities in the investigation and search for Nancy Guthrie.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I wanted to say to whoever has her or knows where she is that it's never too late. And you're not lost or alone and it's never too late to do the right thing. And we are here. We believe. And we believe in the essential goodness of every human being. And it's never too late.”

— Savannah Guthrie, Today show host (Instagram)

What’s next

The FBI is continuing to analyze the unknown DNA evidence found at Nancy Guthrie's home and work with local authorities to identify the person responsible for her disappearance.

The takeaway

The high-profile kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie's elderly mother has sparked a nationwide search and renewed calls for the safe return of vulnerable individuals. The case underscores the emotional toll on families dealing with a loved one's disappearance and the challenges law enforcement faces in solving such crimes.