Today co-host Savannah Guthrie has spoken publicly after her mother, Nancy Guthrie, disappeared in Arizona and authorities said the investigation is now being handled as a suspected crime.
In an Instagram post shared Monday, Feb. 2, Savannah thanked supporters for their prayers and asked them to continue. “we believe in prayer. we believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope. we believe in goodness,” she wrote. “we believe in humanity. above all, we believe in Him.”
She added, “thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment.”
Savannah also quoted Isaiah 26:3: “He will keep in perfect peace those whose hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord,” and ended the message with a direct plea: “Bring her home.”
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What investigators are saying
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing after disappearing on Jan. 31. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department in Arizona began searching the next day. She was last seen at her home near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue at around 9:30 p.m.
During a press conference on Sunday, Feb. 1, Sheriff Chris Nanos said a search-and-rescue effort began after the family called 911 around noon to report her missing. By Monday, Feb. 2, he told reporters investigators now believe a crime occurred, describing the situation at the home as more of a “crime scene” than a “search mission,” and said authorities were seeking help from the public.
Nanos noted that Nancy has physical challenges and needs daily medication, adding that going without it could be dangerous. He also said investigators do not believe she left voluntarily.
Authorities now suspect she may have been taken from the home against her will, possibly overnight. “Taken against her will includes possible kidnapping or abduction,” Nanos said.
Investigators have been reviewing surveillance footage, checking license plate reader data, and conducting searches, according to the sheriff. “We know she didn’t just walk out of there,” he added.
Today show address and ongoing investigation
Savannah, 54, did not appear on the Today show on Monday, Feb. 2, as the search continued. Sheinelle Jones filled in alongside Craig Melvin, who told viewers the case was a deeply personal story for the team and confirmed Nancy had been reported missing in Arizona.
The sheriff said Savannah is in Arizona and that the family has been cooperative with investigators. He added that other agencies, including the FBI, are assisting.
Description shared by authorities
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department describes Nancy Guthrie as a woman with brown hair and blue eyes. She is 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs around 150 lbs.
