Summary (tl;dr)

Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, is missing from her Arizona home, with authorities investigating her disappearance as a probable abduction and treating her residence as a crime scene.

Essential Background

Nancy Guthrie is the mother of prominent "Today" show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. They share a close bond, and Nancy has appeared on the "Today" show previously. Savannah Guthrie grew up in Tucson, Arizona, where her mother still resides. Nancy Guthrie, 84, has limited mobility and requires daily medication.

The Full Story

Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in the Tucson area of Arizona on Saturday night, January 31, 2026. Her family reported her missing on Sunday after she did not attend church. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos announced during a press conference that her home is being treated as a crime scene, citing "concerning circumstances" at the residence, including signs of forced entry. Investigators found DNA samples, and according to some reports, blood believed to be Nancy Guthrie's, inside the home. The sheriff stated that Nancy Guthrie has limited mobility and a sound mind, making it unlikely she left on her own, and investigators believe she was abducted, possibly while she slept. The Pima County Sheriff's Department's homicide and criminal investigation teams, along with the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, are actively involved in the search. Savannah Guthrie has traveled to Arizona and issued a public statement asking for prayers for her mother's safe return. She has temporarily stepped away from her duties on the "Today" show.

Why It Matters

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of a well-known national news personality, has garnered significant media attention and raised concerns due to the suspicious nature of her vanishing. The active criminal investigation, including the involvement of homicide detectives and the FBI, indicates the gravity of the situation. The fact that Nancy Guthrie has limited mobility and requires daily medication adds urgency to the search efforts, highlighting fears for her well-being. The public and Savannah Guthrie's colleagues are closely following the developments, offering support and prayers for her safe return.

Geographic Location

• Tucson area, Pima County, Arizona, United States (Nancy Guthrie's home, where she went missing and which is being investigated as a crime scene)
• Catalina Foothills, Pima County, Arizona, United States (area north of Tucson where Nancy Guthrie's residence is located)
• Phoenix, Maricopa County, Arizona, United States (location where DNA samples from Nancy Guthrie's home are being sent for rapid testing)