Authorities Investigate Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, Mother of ‘TODAY’ Co-Anchor Savannah Guthrie
Authorities in Arizona are investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, 84, who was last seen Saturday night at her home outside Tucson, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing by her family around noon on Sunday, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said during a news conference Monday. Investigators now believe her disappearance is the result of a crime.
“We do in fact have a crime scene. We do in fact have a crime,” Nanos said. “She did not leave on her own. We know that.”
While the sheriff did not share specific details about the investigation, he confirmed that authorities are reviewing surveillance footage from cameras at Guthrie’s home, where she lives alone and employs staff. Nanos also urged nearby residents to check their Ring and home security cameras for any potential evidence.
Search-and-rescue teams that had been deployed Sunday were sent home, as investigators shifted their focus.
“Right now, we don’t see this as a search mission as much as we do a crime scene,” Nanos said.
Authorities noted that Nancy Guthrie requires daily medication, and failing to take it could be life-threatening.
“It could be fatal,” Nanos said.
Sheriff Nanos emphasized that Guthrie’s disappearance is not related to dementia, describing her as “of sound mind” and “sharp as a tack.” Family members told investigators she has no cognitive issues, though she is not in good physical health.
Officials said they are not aware of any threats against Savannah Guthrie, the longtime “TODAY” show co-anchor, who is currently in Arizona. The FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are assisting local authorities in the investigation.
Nancy Guthrie is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing about 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Her family last saw her at home between 9:30 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday, according to the sheriff.
Drones, a helicopter, an airplane, search-and-rescue dogs provided by CBP, and volunteers were used in the initial search effort, officials said.
During Monday’s broadcast of the “TODAY” show, co-anchor Craig Melvin addressed the situation, calling it a “deeply personal story for us.”
In a statement shared on air, Savannah Guthrie said, “I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers, and messages of support.”
“Our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom,” she added. “We thank law enforcement for their hard work and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.”
Anyone with information is urged to call 520-351-4900.
Savannah Guthrie has often spoken publicly about her close bond with her mother. In a 2022 tribute marking her mother’s 80th birthday, she described Nancy Guthrie as fiercely loving and deeply devoted to her family, crediting her strength and sacrifice for her children’s success.