Savannah Guthrie Pleads for Her Mother’s Return as Search Enters Second Month

Nearly one month after her 84-year-old mother vanished from her Tucson, Arizona home, Savannah Guthrie is speaking directly to the people she believes know what happened.

In an emotional Instagram video posted Feb. 24, the Today co-anchor described the past 24 days as “agony,” pleading for her mother, Nancy Guthrie, to be returned home.

“It is day 24 since our mom was taken in the dark of night from her bed,” Savannah said. “Every hour and minute and second and every long night has been agony since then — of worrying about her and fearing for her and aching for her and most of all, just missing her.”

Her voice, steady but visibly strained, carried both hope and realism. “We still believe in a miracle,” she said. “Hope against hope. As my sister says, we are blowing on the embers of hope.”

At the same time, Savannah acknowledged a painful possibility: that her mother, who requires daily life-sustaining medication, may no longer be alive.

“We also know that she may be lost,” she said. “She may have already gone home to the Lord that she loves.”

Timeline: The Night Nancy Disappeared

According to the Pima County Sheriff's Department, Nancy Guthrie was last seen by family members at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Jan. 31 at her Tucson home.

The following morning, after Nancy failed to appear at church, a concerned friend alerted her children. Family members searched the property for about an hour before calling 911 around noon on Feb. 1.

Sheriff Chris Nanos quickly declared the home a crime scene.

“You don’t typically get the sheriff out at a scene like this,” Nanos said at a Feb. 2 press conference. “This one stood out because of what was described to us at the scene and what we found and located.”

Authorities emphasized that Nancy had limited mobility and could not have walked far on her own. “We know she didn’t just walk out of there,” Nanos said. “There are other things at the scene that indicate she did not leave on her own.”

Investigators believe she was taken against her will, possibly in the middle of the night.

Health Concerns Heighten Urgency

Sheriff Nanos revealed that Nancy suffers from physical ailments and requires daily medication that could be fatal if missed.

“This is an 84-year-old lady who is in need of medication,” he said. “Medication that if she doesn’t have in 24 hours, it could be fatal.”

He stressed that Nancy is cognitively sharp and does not suffer from dementia. “She is of a great sound mind,” he said. “This is not somebody who wandered off.”

The combination of her physical vulnerability and the signs of forced removal intensified the urgency of the investigation.

Surveillance Footage and DNA Evidence

In a major development, the Federal Bureau of Investigation released surveillance images of a masked individual seen approaching Nancy’s home in the early morning hours.

The individual, described as a male approximately 5’9” to 5’10” with an average build, was wearing a black 25-liter “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack” backpack. The footage shows him appearing to tamper with the doorbell camera.

Sheriff Nanos also confirmed that DNA samples were collected at the scene and are being analyzed. “We took some samples that we hope will have enough of a DNA profile to give us identification,” he said.

Investigators detailed key timestamps:

1:47 a.m. – Doorbell camera disconnects.
2:28 a.m. – Nancy’s pacemaker app disconnects from her phone.
11:56 a.m. – Family discovers her missing.
12:03 p.m. – 911 call placed.

The FBI has increased the reward for information leading to Nancy’s recovery or the arrest and conviction of those responsible to $100,000.

A Direct Plea to Possible Captors

On Feb. 4, Savannah and her siblings, Annie and Camron Guthrie, released a video message addressed directly to anyone holding their mother.

“As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk,” Savannah said. “However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her.”

Days later, Savannah posted another video stating, “We received your message and we understand.” She added pointedly, “This is very valuable to us and we will pay.”

On Feb. 24, the family announced a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to Nancy’s recovery.

“For that reason, we are offering a family reward,” Savannah said. “Someone out there knows something that can bring her home.”

National Support From the Today Family

Savannah’s colleagues from Today have publicly expressed support.

Jenna Bush Hager said on air, “We love Nancy. I know her personally.”

Sheinelle Jones urged viewers to contact authorities with any information “no matter how small.”

Willie Geist shared a message on social media encouraging followers to contact the sheriff’s office if they had tips.

Former co-anchor Hoda Kotb posted a photo of Savannah and Nancy, captioned simply with a heart and prayer emojis.

The outpouring has extended beyond television. Savannah announced the family will donate $500,000 to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, acknowledging that many families endure similar uncertainty without national attention.

“We know that we are not alone in our loss,” she said. “We are hoping that the attention given to our mom will extend to all families like ours.”

Family Cleared, Investigation Ongoing

More than two weeks into the case, Sheriff Nanos issued a clear statement: “The Guthrie family — to include all siblings and spouses — has been cleared as possible suspects.”

Authorities maintain there is no indication of an active threat to the broader public but acknowledge significant work remains.

No suspects have been publicly identified. No arrests have been made in connection with Nancy’s disappearance.

“Bring Her Home”

Savannah concluded her latest plea with words that captured both faith and desperation.

“Let this be your sign to please come forward,” she said. “So we can either celebrate a glorious, miraculous homecoming or celebrate the beautiful, brave and courageous life that she has lived. Please be the light in the dark.”

As the investigation continues, one reality remains unchanged: a family waits.