Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show, is facing a distressing situation as her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, has been missing since January 31, 2026. Nancy was reported missing on February 1 after a church associate noticed her absence from her home in Tucson, Arizona. The case has captured significant media attention and prompted public appeals from the family, particularly as evidence of possible foul play has emerged.
Timeline of Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie, who is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall with gray hair and blue eyes, was last seen at approximately 21:30 to 21:50 local time on January 31. Her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, dropped her off after dinner with her daughter, Annie Guthrie. Authorities quickly designated her residence as a crime scene due to indications of forced entry, including bloodstains and her limited mobility, which suggests she could not have left the premises on her own.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting Nancy’s vulnerable status and poor health. Law enforcement has deployed extensive resources to locate her, including ground teams, drones, search dogs, helicopters, and a dedicated homicide unit.
Family members, including Savannah, have made heartfelt appeals on social media since February 2, sharing their prayers for Nancy’s safe return. Savannah has released videos that counter ransom speculation and directly appealed to anyone who may have her mother, stating that the family is “willing to compensate” for her safe release. On February 9, she also shared images from a Nest camera released by the FBI, urging the public to provide tips, as the family believes Nancy is alive.
Investigation Developments
As the investigation progresses, forensic evidence has revealed foreign DNA on a glove found near Nancy’s home and additional unidentified DNA at the scene, neither of which matches Nancy or her relatives. A SWAT raid conducted on February 14, approximately two miles from her residence, led to the detention of three individuals, but their current status remains unclear. No formal suspect has been identified, although the FBI has released photographs of a “subject of interest” in the case.
Rumors suggesting that Nancy may have been taken to Mexico have circulated, but as of February 18, there is no evidence to substantiate these claims. Authorities in the Mexican state of Sonora have reported that there have been no requests for assistance from U.S. law enforcement. Sheriff Nanos has cautioned against the spread of unverified information on social media, which could impede the investigation. Community tips have become increasingly important; a dedicated hotline has been established for this purpose.
Data from the FBI indicates that elderly abductions are uncommon but concerning, with approximately 10% of missing seniors over the age of 80 involving foul play. Of these cases, around 60% are resolved within one week when prompt evidence, such as DNA, is available. In the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson, there has been a 15% increase in property crimes since 2025, which may add context to the investigation, although no direct links have been established.
Public appeals from the Guthrie family have successfully garnered thousands of shares, leading to a reported 40% increase in tips, which is consistent with trends observed in other high-profile missing persons cases. The family’s proactive approach contrasts with the typical low-profile nature of senior disappearances, where recovery rates fall below 50% after three weeks.
The ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie continues to be a pressing concern, with accumulating evidence suggesting abduction but little advancement in the investigation as February 2026 unfolds. The determination of both the family and law enforcement agencies fuels hope, yet time remains critical for vulnerable seniors. Authorities urge anyone with relevant information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Office or the FBI tip lines immediately, as community vigilance could play a crucial role in bringing Nancy home.
