Savannah Guthrie Pleads with Mother's Kidnapper

TV host urges perpetrator to return her mom safely

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of the Today show, took to Instagram to send a message to the person who kidnapped her mother two weeks ago. Guthrie calmly stated that it's "never too late to do the right thing" and that her family still has hope her mother will be returned safely.

Why it matters

The kidnapping of a family member of a high-profile media personality has drawn significant public attention and concern. Guthrie's direct plea to the kidnapper highlights the emotional toll the situation has taken on her family and the community's desire for a peaceful resolution.

The details

In her Instagram video, Guthrie said it's been two weeks since her mother was taken and that she wanted to convey the message that the kidnapper is "not lost or alone" and that there is still time "to do the right thing" and return her mother unharmed.

  • Guthrie posted the video on her Instagram account on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Savannah Guthrie

Co-anchor of the Today show and the daughter of the kidnapped woman.

Guthrie's mother

The woman who was kidnapped two weeks ago.

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What they’re saying

“It's been two weeks since our mom was taken, and I just wanted to come on and say that we still have hope and we still believe. And 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.”

— Savannah Guthrie, Co-anchor, Today show (Instagram)

The takeaway

Guthrie's emotional plea highlights the ongoing anguish her family is experiencing and the community's desire for a peaceful resolution to the kidnapping. The case serves as a reminder of the trauma that families face when a loved one is abducted and the importance of cooperating with authorities to ensure a safe return.