Tucson Neighbors Decorate with Yellow Ribbons to Support Missing Nancy Guthrie

The gesture is a symbol of hope as the search for the 84-year-old woman enters its third week.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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In Tucson, Arizona, neighbors of Nancy Guthrie have been displaying yellow ribbons and flowers around their homes as a show of support for Guthrie, who was reported missing from her home over two weeks ago. The yellow ribbons are a symbol of hope during the ongoing search for the 84-year-old woman, who authorities believe was abducted from her home in the early hours of February 1st.

Why it matters

The community's display of yellow ribbons and flowers highlights the impact of Guthrie's disappearance and the concern felt by her neighbors. It also reflects the enduring tradition of using yellow ribbons as a symbol of hope during times of crisis or when someone goes missing, which dates back to the 1970s hostage crisis.

The details

Neighbors have been tying yellow ribbons around trees, cactuses, and mailboxes near Guthrie's home. Some have also placed flowers at the front of her house. The yellow ribbon is meant to convey a "sentiment of hope and support" for Guthrie and her family. Authorities believe Guthrie was abducted from her home in the early morning hours of February 1st, based on evidence from her doorbell camera.

  • Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
  • Her doorbell camera captured a masked, hooded figure at 2:12 a.m. on February 1, and her pacemaker was disconnected from her phone at 2:28 a.m. the same day.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who was reported missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona on February 1, 2026. Authorities believe she was abducted from her home in the early morning hours that day.

Savannah Guthrie

Nancy Guthrie's 54-year-old daughter, who has been in Arizona with her two siblings since her mother's disappearance.

Laura Gargano

A neighbor of Nancy Guthrie who explained the meaning behind the yellow ribbons being displayed in the community.

Nicolette Daily

Another neighbor of Nancy Guthrie who spoke about the impact of her disappearance on the community.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who has stated that the search for Nancy Guthrie will continue until she is found, even if it takes weeks, months or years.

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What they’re saying

“The yellow ribbon is a sentiment of hope and support after someone goes missing. I believe the use of the yellow ribbons goes back to hostage-taking in the 1970s.”

— Laura Gargano, Neighbor (PEOPLE)

“My husband's going out of town next week. I've asked my mom to come stay because I'm scared to be alone. This is all very very horrible, and there's no neighborhood that's safe. There's a false [idea that], 'I live in a nice neighborhood, and it's safe.' That's not how it is. But you don't think that someone is going to come to your house in the middle of the night and take you. That is horrific.”

— Nicolette Daily, Neighbor (PEOPLE)

“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 is never too late to do the right thing. And we are here. And we believe. And we believe in the essential goodness of every human being.”

— Savannah Guthrie (PEOPLE)

What’s next

The Pima County Sheriff has stated that the search for Nancy Guthrie will continue until she is found, even if it takes weeks, months or years. A $100,000 reward has been offered for any information leading to her recovery or an arrest in the case.

The takeaway

The community's display of yellow ribbons and flowers is a powerful symbol of hope and solidarity during a difficult time. It reflects the enduring human spirit and the belief that even in the face of tragedy, there is still good in the world and that it is never too late to do the right thing.