The ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, has drawn national attention as authorities intensify efforts to locate the 84-year-old woman who went missing from her Tucson, Arizona, home. The investigation has taken on added urgency due to her age, limited mobility, and reliance on daily medication.
During a recent bill-signing ceremony in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump addressed the situation, calling it “terrible” when asked about the missing woman. Trump said he planned to reach out to Savannah Guthrie directly to offer support, noting, “I’m going to call her later on. I think it’s a terrible thing. I always got along very good with Savannah.” The president did not rule out allocating additional federal resources to assist with the investigation, calling the case a “very unusual situation” that authorities would continue to evaluate.
The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has prompted an expansive response from law enforcement, with Pima County authorities working closely with the FBI. Initial findings suggest that Guthrie may have been taken against her will, raising concerns about a potential abduction. Detectives are also considering the possibility of foul play, as some sources indicate a trail of DNA was discovered inside her home. Authorities have not confirmed whether the substance is blood, but the presence of such evidence has heightened fears for her safety.
On Tuesday, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos addressed rumors of a ransom note circulating in connection with the case. An email allegedly containing the note was reportedly sent to local news affiliate KOLD, which subsequently forwarded it to law enforcement. “We are taking all tips and leads very seriously,” Nanos said, emphasizing that any communication received is immediately directed to detectives coordinating with federal authorities. While the authenticity of the ransom note has not been verified, it is part of a broader investigation exploring whether Guthrie’s disappearance was a targeted abduction or involved more complex circumstances.
Savannah Guthrie, a Tucson native who recently returned to work following surgery, has made public pleas for support and prayers for her mother’s safe return. In a statement shared on social media, she said, “I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers, and messages of support. Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom. We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Office at 520-351-4900.”
According to authorities, Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of Saturday, February 1, and was reported missing the following day when she failed to attend church. Neighbors and community members quickly became alarmed, particularly given the presence of her personal belongings, including keys, identification, and essential medication, left behind in her home. This raised immediate questions about whether she left voluntarily.
Local residents have expressed concern over the disappearance. Paul Arnaud, a neighbor, recalled hearing about the incident shortly after Guthrie failed to appear at her church. “We heard that the front door was left open,” he said. “A lot of us are worried that it was an abduction because they did a thorough search throughout the day and early evening, and we could not find her.”
Sheriff Nanos highlighted the importance of following every lead, no matter how small. “We have hundreds of leads coming in,” he said. “The leads we’ve got are critical to us. They’re valuable, and we’re sharing those with the FBI and others.” He emphasized that all tips are being treated with the utmost seriousness in order to bring Nancy home safely.
The investigation has also involved an examination of the surrounding area using aerial drones and manned aircraft. Law enforcement officials are canvassing neighborhoods, conducting door-to-door interviews, and checking nearby roads and public spaces. The collaboration between local and federal authorities underscores the priority placed on finding Guthrie quickly, given her medical needs and age.
President Trump’s involvement has added a high-profile dimension to the case. In addition to his pledge to contact Savannah directly, he indicated a willingness to allocate federal resources if necessary. “Very unusual situation, but we’re going to find out,” he told reporters, highlighting the administration’s interest in ensuring Guthrie’s safety.
At the center of this ongoing search is the urgent concern for Nancy Guthrie’s well-being. With limited mobility and a need for daily medication, authorities stress that time is critical. Law enforcement is coordinating search efforts with an eye toward both immediate rescue and long-term investigation strategies, in case the case involves a larger scheme or organized criminal activity.
The reported ransom note adds complexity to the investigation. While the note’s authenticity remains unconfirmed, it reportedly demanded millions in Bitcoin, directing payment to a specific cryptocurrency address. Experts note that such demands are increasingly common in high-profile abduction cases, complicating verification and response efforts. Authorities are analyzing the note thoroughly while simultaneously following more traditional investigative leads.
Community members have rallied around the Guthrie family, sharing prayers and support on social media. Savannah Guthrie’s public statements have consistently focused on concern for her mother rather than speculation or conjecture about possible motives or suspects. “It’s beyond heartbreaking,” she said. “No one should ever be in this position. We hope that with everyone’s help, she can be brought home safely.”
Law enforcement officials stress the importance of public cooperation in missing-person investigations. Sheriff Nanos encouraged anyone with information, no matter how minor it might seem, to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Office immediately. “Even the smallest detail can be critical,” he said. “All tips are valuable and could lead to her safe return.”
As of the latest updates, Nancy Guthrie is still missing, but authorities remain optimistic that she is alive. The combined efforts of local deputies, federal agents, and the FBI are ongoing, with search operations extending across Tucson and surrounding areas. The goal is to ensure her safe recovery while gathering evidence to identify any individuals involved in her disappearance.
The case also highlights broader concerns about the safety of elderly individuals and those with medical needs. The urgency and public attention underscore the need for rapid response and coordination between agencies when vulnerable individuals go missing. Law enforcement officials are treating every lead with extreme care, mindful that the safety of Nancy Guthrie is the top priority.
Sheriff Nanos concluded by reaffirming his commitment to finding Guthrie. “Our priority is Nancy’s safety and return,” he said. “We will continue this investigation tirelessly until we have answers. We urge anyone with information to come forward. We will do everything possible to ensure she comes home safely.”
With both local and federal authorities fully engaged, and with public support from Savannah Guthrie, President Trump, and community members, hope remains that Nancy Guthrie will be found and reunited with her family. Authorities have emphasized patience and diligence, reminding the public that large-scale investigations can take time but that every effort is being made to ensure a safe outcome.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
