Authorities are concerned that the 84-year-old mother of NBC’s Today show host Savannah Guthrie may have been forcibly taken, as she requires urgent medication to survive, the sheriff mentioned on Monday. Nancy Guthrie was last observed around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday at her residence in the Tucson, Arizona region, where she resided alone. The family reported her absence around noon on Sunday. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is exploring the possibility that she was taken during the night, according to spokesperson Angelica Carrillo.
Guthrie had mobility limitations, and officials do not believe she left of her own accord. Sheriff Chris Nanos indicated that Guthrie was mentally sound. Nanos stressed that this wasn’t related to dementia, stating, “She’s as sharp as a tack.” He emphasized that Guthrie did not just wander off.
At a news conference on Tuesday, the sheriff and the Tucson FBI chief called on the public to provide any relevant information but did not disclose many new aspects of the inquiry. Nanos refrained from discussing whether the disappearance was believed to be random or targeted or detailing the evidence discovered at Nancy Guthrie’s residence. When questioned if they were searching for her alive, Nanos responded, “We hope we are.”
Nanos mentioned that a family member was alerted by someone at church that Guthrie was absent, prompting the family to search for her at her home and subsequently contact 911. Nanos stressed Guthrie’s need for her daily medication and urged the person holding her to release her. He emphasized, “If she’s currently alive, her medication is critical. It’s been over 24 hours, and the family informs us that without these meds, it could be fatal.”
Search teams were utilizing drones and search dogs in the quest for her, as stated by Nanos. Volunteers, Border Patrol, and the homicide unit were assisting the search and rescue teams. Carrillo noted that the FBI had offered their support. Nanos mentioned that this case stood out due to the scene description and findings.
On Monday morning, Nanos mentioned that search operations had shifted focus to treating the situation as a crime scene rather than a search mission. Despite this, a sheriff’s helicopter was spotted flying over the desert near Guthrie’s residence on Monday afternoon. Savannah Guthrie expressed gratitude for the support received, emphasizing the priority of Nancy’s safe return.
During Monday’s Today show, the co-anchor’s mother’s disappearance was highlighted. Nanos confirmed that Savannah Guthrie was present in Arizona. Savannah, who grew up in Tucson and previously worked at KVOA-TV, issued a statement expressing appreciation for the overwhelming support. Nancy Guthrie made an appearance in a November 2025 story alongside her daughter, reminiscing about their roots in Tucson and the pleasant aspects of life there.
