The Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie: Family and Authorities Seek Answers in Suspected Abduction

Tucson, Arizona – February 3, 2026 – In a heartbreaking turn of events, Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC’s Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has been missing since late January 31, 2026. Authorities with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department have classified the case as a possible kidnapping or abduction, describing her home in the Catalina Foothills area near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue as a crime scene.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, after family members dropped her off at her residence. She lives alone and is described as being of sound mind—”sharp as a tack,” according to Sheriff Chris Nanos—with no indication of dementia or wandering off. She has limited mobility and requires daily medication, which officials warn could become life-threatening if not taken.

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When family members realized she failed to appear for church the following morning, they checked her home, became concerned, and contacted authorities around noon on Sunday, February 1. Investigators quickly determined that Nancy did not leave willingly. “I believe she was abducted, yes,” Sheriff Nanos told CBS News. “She didn’t walk from there. She didn’t go willingly.” He emphasized that evidence at the scene raised “grave concerns,” leading to the involvement of homicide detectives, search dogs, drones, and even offers of assistance from the FBI.

DNA evidence has reportedly been collected from the home and is being tested as part of the ongoing investigation. Officials believe she may have been taken against her will, possibly in the middle of the night while she slept. The sheriff has urged the public to come forward with any information, stressing the urgency due to her medical needs.

On Monday evening, Savannah Guthrie shared an emotional plea on Instagram, calling for prayers from supporters. “We believe in prayer. We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope. We believe in goodness. We believe in humanity. Above all, we believe in Him,” she wrote alongside a post. “Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. Raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment. We need you.”

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Savannah, who grew up in Tucson and previously worked as a local reporter there, has been in Arizona focusing on the search. She issued a statement on Today expressing gratitude to law enforcement and urging anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.

Nancy Guthrie is remembered fondly by her family as a woman of deep faith and kindness. She appeared alongside her daughter in segments highlighting their close bond, including a 2025 story about their Tucson roots where Nancy spoke warmly of the area’s laid-back quality of life.

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Savannah Guthrie Breaks Silence After Mom’s Disappearance

The community and viewers nationwide have rallied in support, with many sharing messages of hope online. Authorities continue to investigate leads, including the possibility of a targeted act rather than a random one. As the search enters its critical days, the plea remains clear: Bring Nancy home safely.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department immediately. The family and investigators hold out hope for her safe return.