Tucson, Arizona
Authorities in southern Arizona are conducting an urgent search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC’s “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, after she was reported missing over the weekend. Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson on Saturday night, and her family reported her missing around noon on Sunday when they could not locate her.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that search and rescue teams have been deployed, and investigators are actively working to find her. The circumstances at her residence raised “grave concern” among law enforcement, prompting involvement from homicide detectives alongside typical search efforts. Officials have said foul play has not been ruled out, although the situation remains an active missing persons investigation.
Description and Search Efforts
Nancy Guthrie is described as approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing about 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes; it is not yet known what she was wearing at the time of her disappearance. Authorities have canvassed the area using a combination of ground teams, drones, helicopters, search dogs, and volunteers, and have contacted local hospitals and facilities to check for any sightings or admissions.
Sheriff Nanos emphasized the priority placed on locating Guthrie quickly given her age and physical condition. Although she is said to be in poor physical health, officials noted that she does not have cognitive issues, according to family information shared with law enforcement.
Family Statement and Public Response
In a statement shared through NBC, Savannah Guthrie expressed gratitude for the support her family has received and reiterated that their focus remains on her mother’s safe return. The family is said to be working closely with local authorities, and officials have urged anyone with information about Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
As part of search outreach, law enforcement has provided contact information for tips and has asked the public to report any potential sightings or relevant information directly to investigators.
Impact on Savannah Guthrie and “Today” Show
Savannah Guthrie did not appear on the February 2 broadcast of the “Today” show, with her co-hosts addressing her absence and the personal nature of the ongoing situation. In televised comments, Guthrie thanked viewers and colleagues for their understanding and support while her family navigates the search efforts.
Guthrie had recently returned to the program following a brief medical leave for vocal cord surgery, and her absence underscores the seriousness of her family’s current crisis.
Investigation Status
The involvement of homicide detectives in a missing person’s case is unusual and reflects law enforcement’s response to concerning evidence discovered at Nancy Guthrie’s home. Sheriff Nanos did not disclose specific details about that evidence but acknowledged it contributed to an elevated level of concern among investigators. Despite this, authorities continue to pursue search and rescue operations as the primary focus of the case.
Officials reiterated that the investigation remains fluid, and more information may be released as the search progresses.
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