“Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie is pleading for public help to find her kidnapped mother, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, as the search enters its fifth week. Guthrie shared a new update Feb. 27 urging followers to contact the FBI tip line, offering a $1 million reward and holding out hope for a “miracle.”
Who is Savannah Guthrie and What Happened to her Mother?
Savannah Guthrie, 54, co-anchors NBC’s “Today.” Her mother Nancy, 84, was last seen alive Jan. 31 after dinner with family, who dropped her at her Tucson-area home. She was reported missing Feb. 1 when she missed virtual church. Authorities believe she was taken against her will overnight.
Nancy has a pacemaker, needs daily medication, and is “extremely limited in her physical mobility,” according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. DNA tests confirmed blood found on her porch is hers.
What is the Latest Update Savannah Guthrie Shared?
On Feb. 27, Guthrie posted FBI tip line details on Instagram with a “Today” clip explaining how tips work. “Please – be the one that brings her home,” she wrote. “Tips can be anonymous, reward can be paid in cash.”
She added: “Call 1-800-CALL-FBI. NOTE: Family reward of up to $1 million will be paid only for recovery of Nancy Guthrie.” During the segment, NBC’s Liz Kreutz said tipsters can collect rewards at “neutral locations” with no ID. “No questions asked,” she added.
Guthrie also reshared a Feb. 24 video with a new caption: “Still here hoping. Details on reward in caption.”
Who is the Suspect and What Evidence Exists?
The FBI describes the suspect as a male, 5-foot-9 to 5-foot-10, with average build. He wore a 25-liter Ozark Trail backpack and used branches to block a doorbell camera. Black gloves found near the home yielded DNA. Investigators believe the masked man may have surveilled the property beforehand.
At least two ransom notes surfaced, delivered to news outlets. But authorities say no one has directly contacted the family or law enforcement. Sheriff Nanos confirmed no proof of life—or death—has emerged.
What is the Status of the Investigation?
The FBI has received about 22,000 tips before the family’s reward announcement, plus 1,500 more after. On Feb. 24, Guthrie announced the family raised the reward to $1 million for Nancy’s recovery. The family also donated $500,000 to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
“We know we are not alone in our loss,” Guthrie said. “We hope attention on our mom extends to all families like ours.” The sheriff’s department cleared the Guthrie family as suspects. “They are victims plain and simple,” Nanos said.
Will Savannah Guthrie Return to “Today”?
Sources tell multiple outlets Guthrie hasn’t decided about returning, and there’s no timeline. NBC is not pressuring her. She’s been away nearly a month. Hoda Kotb has returned to help fill in.
Sources told Daily Mail Guthrie may return to New York, recognizing finding her mother “might take years.”
What did Savannah Guthrie Say in her Plea?
In her Feb. 24 video, Guthrie spoke emotionally: “It is day 24 since our mom was taken in the dark of night from her bed. Every hour has been agony.” She acknowledged the possibility Nancy may not be found alive. “She may already be gone. But we need to know where she is.”
Still, she holds hope. “We still believe in a miracle. We are blowing on the embers of hope.”
“Please, if you’ve been waiting, let this be your sign,” she said. “Help us bring our beloved mom home. Please be the light in the dark.”
FAQs
Q: How can someone provide a tip?
A: Call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or Pima County Sheriff at 520-351-4900. Tips can be anonymous.
Q: What is the total reward?
A: The family offers up to $1 million for Nancy’s recovery. The FBI offers a separate $100,000 reward.
Q: Has anyone been arrested?
A: No arrests. One man was detained and released without charges.
Q: Is Nancy Guthrie still alive?
A: No proof of life has emerged, but also no proof of death. Sheriff Nanos presumes she remains alive.
Q: Was she targeted?
A: Investigators believe it was a targeted act based on evidence of surveillance.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
