'We are ready to talk': US news anchor Savannah Guthrie pleads for return of her abducted mother

February 5, 2026

NBC news anchor Savannah Guthrie, alongside her siblings, released an emotional video appeal requesting proof that their 84-year-old mother Nancy remains alive after being kidnapped from her Arizona home. Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her residence in Catalina Foothills over the weekend, with authorities discovering a concerning scene at her home that suggested she was taken against her will. A potential ransom note has been sent to media outlets, prompting law enforcement collaboration between local sheriff's deputies and the FBI.

Who is affected

Nancy Guthrie (84-year-old kidnapping victim)
Savannah Guthrie (NBC news anchor and Nancy's daughter)
Annie and Cameron (Savannah's siblings and Nancy's other children)
Nancy Guthrie's church congregation members
Pima County Sheriff's Office and FBI investigators
NBC News and Today show staff
Mary Carillo (replacement host for Olympics coverage)

What action is being taken

Pima County Sheriff's Office is conducting an all-hands-on-deck search using dogs, drones, helicopters, and federal agents
The FBI is working to authenticate a possible ransom note
Authorities are speaking with anyone who had contact with Nancy Guthrie last weekend
Federal law enforcement is being directed to assist the investigation per President Trump's directive
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings are seeking communication from the captors

Why it matters

This case matters because an elderly woman with serious health needs has been forcibly taken from her home and requires medication to survive without suffering. The high-profile nature of the victim's daughter brings national attention to the kidnapping, potentially aiding in the search efforts while also raising awareness about crimes against vulnerable senior citizens. The involvement of federal law enforcement and presidential attention demonstrates the gravity of the situation and mobilizes significant resources toward resolution.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC