The disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother has taken a troubling turn, as Arizona authorities now say the case is being investigated as a crime — and time may be running out.
Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of the Today show co-host, was last seen Saturday night at her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson. What initially appeared to be a missing persons case has now escalated after investigators found what they described as “very concerning” circumstances at the home.
“We know she didn’t just walk out of there. She did not leave on her own,” Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said during a press conference. He stressed that Nancy’s disappearance is not related to dementia or confusion. “She is as sharp as a tack,” he said. “The family wants you to know she didn’t just wander off.”
According to authorities, Nancy has significant physical limitations. Sheriff Nanos explained that she “could not walk 50 yards on her own,” making it unlikely she left voluntarily. Those physical challenges are now adding urgency to the case, as officials confirmed she requires daily medication.
“She is in need of medication, medication that if she doesn’t have it in 24 hours, it could be fatal,” Nanos said. “Time is very critical.”
Nancy was last seen between 9:30 and 9:45 p.m. Saturday night, after one of her children dropped her off at her Tucson home. The family became alarmed the next morning when a fellow churchgoer called to say Nancy had not shown up for services — something family members say was highly unusual. After searching the home themselves, relatives contacted police.
Investigators say Nancy’s home is now considered an active crime scene, though specific details have not been released. “We believe now, after we process that crime scene, that we do, in fact, have a crime,” Nanos said. As a result, search-and-rescue efforts have been halted while detectives focus on the investigation.
Authorities are reviewing security footage from the home and asking nearby residents to check Ring camera videos for anything suspicious. Police are also in possession of Nancy’s cell phone and are examining it for possible clues.
While Savannah Guthrie is a high-profile television personality, officials say there is currently no evidence that her mother was targeted because of her fame. “We’re not going to dismiss any angles for sure, but right now immediately, we don’t know of anything like that,” Nanos said. He also added that he does not believe the public is in danger.
Savannah Guthrie, who joined Today as a co-host in 2011, skipped Monday’s broadcast to be with her family in Arizona. In a statement released on behalf of her family, she thanked supporters for their prayers and concern.
“On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support,” Guthrie said. “Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom.”
She also urged anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department as investigators continue their desperate race against time.
For now, friends, family, and viewers across the country are holding onto hope — and praying for Nancy Guthrie’s safe return.