TV Host's Mother Missing in Tucson, Ransom Demand Received

Authorities continue search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of 'Today' co-host Savannah Guthrie, as family pleads for her safe return.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC's 'Today' co-host Savannah Guthrie, has entered its sixth day in Tucson, Arizona. While no suspects have been identified, authorities believe Nancy Guthrie is 'still out there' after a ransom note was sent to media outlets demanding money. Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have issued a plea for their mother's safe return, stating they are 'ready to talk' but require proof of her well-being.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has sparked an outpouring of support from the Tucson community and beyond, with a local church offering a $25,000 reward. The case highlights the challenges of search and rescue operations in desert terrain, as well as the emotional toll on families dealing with a missing loved one.

The details

Investigators have been focusing on Nancy Guthrie's home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood, where crime scene tape was observed and items were removed from the garage. Authorities have noted that Nancy Guthrie has limited mobility and does not believe she left her home voluntarily, as she has pre-existing health conditions including high blood pressure, a pacemaker, and heart issues.

  • The search for Nancy Guthrie has entered its sixth day.
  • A ransom note was sent to multiple media outlets.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of NBC's 'Today' co-host Savannah Guthrie, who has gone missing in Tucson, Arizona.

Savannah Guthrie

The co-host of NBC's 'Today' show and daughter of Nancy Guthrie, who has issued a plea for her mother's safe return.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff, who has stated that authorities believe Nancy Guthrie is 'still out there'.

Heith Janke

The FBI Chief, who has detailed the ransom note sent to media outlets.

Jim Mason

A long-time commander of a search-and-rescue posse in Maricopa County, who has explained the challenges of desert terrain in search operations.

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What they’re saying

“We need to recognize without a doubt that she's alive and that you have her.”

— Savannah Guthrie (Social media)

“Some of it is so thick you can't drive through it.”

— Jim Mason, Long-time commander of a search-and-rescue posse in Maricopa County (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of search and rescue operations in desert terrain, as well as the emotional toll on families dealing with a missing loved one. It also underscores the importance of community support and federal assistance in such high-profile cases.