Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie delivered an emotional and deeply personal plea Wednesday, publicly asking for the safe return of her missing mother amid mounting evidence that authorities say points to foul play.
Appearing in a video alongside her siblings, Annie and Camron Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie tearfully addressed reports of an alleged ransom note connected to her mother’s disappearance. The family made clear they are prepared to engage with whoever may be responsible—but only if they are given undeniable proof that her mother is alive.
Eighty-four-year-old Nancy Guthrie has been missing since Sunday. Law enforcement has confirmed that she did not leave her home voluntarily. Investigators have discovered blood inside the residence, along with signs of forced entry, raising serious concerns about her safety and well-being.
The situation became even more alarming after three ransom notes were reportedly sent to media outlets. Authorities have not verified the authenticity of the notes, which are said to be similar in content. One of the notes was allegedly received by TMZ on Tuesday and claimed to demand a specific amount of bitcoin, with a deadline tied to the supposed ransom.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Tuesday that investigators are taking the notes seriously and are not dismissing them outright. Speaking to CBS News, Nanos said his department would examine every element of the ransom note reports and pursue them as legitimate leads.
The sheriff’s office also moved swiftly to counter online speculation. Officials pushed back on a report by former NewsNation anchor Ashleigh Banfield that claimed Savannah Guthrie’s brother-in-law was the prime suspect in the case. In a statement released Wednesday, the sheriff’s office said investigators have not identified any suspect or person of interest.
Law enforcement activity at Nancy Guthrie’s home increased shortly before Savannah Guthrie shared her plea on Instagram. According to CNN, more officers were seen at the residence, carrying evidence bags in and out of the house and loading items into a vehicle. Sniffing dogs were also brought to the scene, according to KXNV.
In her remarks, Guthrie thanked the public for its prayers and support, saying her family believes those prayers are being felt. She described her mother as a woman of faith, kindness, and strength—someone deeply loved by her children and grandchildren.
Guthrie emphasized her mother’s fragile condition, noting that Nancy is elderly, in constant pain, and without necessary medication. She said her mother needs that medicine not only to survive but to avoid suffering. Addressing reports of the ransom note directly, the family made a careful but firm appeal.
They said they are ready to talk, but stressed that in a world where voices and images can be manipulated, they must have absolute certainty that Nancy is alive and being held. The message was both compassionate and resolute, making clear the family will not be misled.
Guthrie ended the plea by speaking directly to her mother, calling her strong and expressing unwavering faith that she will be found. She vowed that the family will not rest until they are reunited, saying they pray constantly and look forward to the day they can hold her again.
As the investigation continues, the family’s message stands as both a heartfelt appeal and a reminder of the human cost behind the headlines.
