Summary (tl;dr)

Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC's "Today" co-host Savannah Guthrie, has been reported missing from her Tucson, Arizona home since February 1, 2026, with authorities treating the case as a probable abduction and investigating multiple ransom notes. The FBI is assisting in the search and has offered a $50,000 reward as the family makes emotional appeals for her safe return.

Essential Background

Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson, Arizona, on the evening of January 31, 2026, after being dropped off by her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni. She was reported missing to the Pima County Sheriff's Department on February 1, 2026, after she failed to attend a scheduled church service. Evidence found inside her residence, including blood drops, suggested foul play and a likely abduction, prompting a criminal investigation. Nancy Guthrie, who is 84 years old, has limited mobility and requires daily medication for a fragile heart and constant pain.

The Full Story

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie is now being actively investigated by the Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI as a possible kidnapping or abduction. Several news organizations, including TMZ and a local CBS affiliate in Tucson, have reportedly received what appear to be ransom notes demanding millions of dollars in Bitcoin. These notes allegedly contain sensitive details about Nancy Guthrie's home and her clothing at the time of her disappearance, which investigators are taking seriously.

On February 5, 2026, during press conferences, both the Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and the FBI confirmed that they believe Nancy Guthrie is "still out there" and are diligently pursuing all leads. The FBI has offered a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to her recovery or the arrest and conviction of those involved. While there was earlier speculation regarding her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, as a potential suspect, the Sheriff has clarified that no suspects or persons of interest have been officially identified in the case. An individual who sent a phony ransom demand has been arrested, but other demands are still under investigation. Savannah Guthrie, alongside her siblings Annie and Camron, released an emotional video plea on Wednesday, directly addressing her mother's potential abductors, asking for proof of life and emphasizing Nancy's urgent need for medication.

Why It Matters

The case has garnered significant national attention due to Nancy Guthrie being the mother of prominent television host Savannah Guthrie, leading to widespread public and media interest in the ongoing search. The urgency of the situation is amplified by Nancy Guthrie's advanced age, limited mobility, and critical need for daily medication, making her disappearance a race against time for law enforcement. The apparent abduction and the receipt of multiple ransom notes raise serious concerns about elder safety and the brazen nature of the crime, impacting public perception of security and vulnerability.

Geographic Location

• Catalina Foothills, Tucson, Pima County, Arizona, United States (Nancy Guthrie's home and disappearance site)
• Tucson, Pima County, Arizona, United States (Investigation headquarters, press conferences, and location where ransom notes were received by local media)