TUCSON, Ariz. — “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie issued an urgent plea Sunday, marking nine months since the suspected kidnapping of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, from her Arizona residence.
Savannah Guthrie, 54, shared a message on Instagram on Sunday alongside a past drawing made by her 12-year-old daughter, Vale. The artwork depicted a blue umbrella in the rain accompanied by the caption, “I know it might not seem like it but I really need my mommy.” Guthrie explained that the childhood drawing captured the enduring heartbreak felt across her family as they try to maintain daily routines.
“The world goes on, things appear ‘normal’ – as we try to keep going and be strong, especially for our young kids – but it’s not and it never will be,” Guthrie wrote. She noted she was writing on behalf of her siblings, their spouses, and her mother’s grandchildren. “We ache for her, we cry out for answers, we cannot move forward,” she added. “We need someone to help us, tell us what you know. Our mom was a light in this world. We want to celebrate her and give her the dignity she deserves. The reward is still available. Please. We are begging you. Please help us.”
Investigation into the disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her Catalina Foothills residence near Tucson around 9:30 p.m. local time on Jan. 31 and was reported missing on Feb. 1, according to local authorities. Investigators declared the home a crime scene, and the FBI determined her disappearance was an abduction.
Federal authorities later shared video showing a masked person outside the elder Guthrie’s entrance hours after her last sighting, NBC News reported. Investigators confirmed that multiple ransom notes were delivered after the abduction. The initial message arrived Feb. 6 demanding millions of dollars, claiming Nancy Guthrie was “safe but scared” and stating she would be released within seven days upon payment. In June, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department made two ransom letters public to solicit new information.
Search for clues continues
Despite months of searching, law enforcement has not announced any major breakthroughs or arrests. Investigators noted in July that DNA examination of a hair found inside the house failed to yield a suspect match.
A dedicated multi-agency task force continues to track leads in the case. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department posted on X that detectives recently visited Florida to consult with laboratory scientists regarding additional forensic testing options.
A total reward of $1.1 million remains active, including $100,000 offered by the FBI and $1 million provided by the Guthrie family.
Savannah Guthrie took a leave of absence from the NBC morning show after the disappearance before returning in April. In mid-February, she shared that she had prepared herself for the possibility that her mother had already died, while noting her family desperately needed to locate her to find peace.
“Thank you to all those who have been kind and shown the best of humanity,” Guthrie concluded on Sunday. “Join us in praying without ceasing.” What happened to Nancy Guthrie and the identity of her abductors remain unknown as authorities continue to seek tips.
