Savannah Guthrie has put her professional commitments on hold as her family faces an agonizing crisis.
The Today co-host has stepped away from NBC’s Winter Olympics coverage after her mother, Nancy Guthrie, was reported missing — a case authorities are now treating as a possible kidnapping or abduction.
“Savannah will not be joining us at the Olympics as she focuses on being with her family during this difficult time,” an NBC Sports spokesperson confirmed. “Our hearts are with her and the entire Guthrie family as the search continues.”
Guthrie had been scheduled to travel to Italy to co-host NBC’s Olympic opening ceremony from Milan’s San Siro Stadium and anchor the network’s first night of primetime coverage. Instead, she rushed to Tucson, Arizona, after receiving what one NBC producer described as “the worst phone call of her life.”
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing Sunday after family members were unable to reach her. Authorities later determined she was taken from her home against her will. Her car and cell phone were left behind, and investigators have since classified the home as a crime scene.
The FBI has now joined the investigation as hundreds of tips pour in from the public, including a reported ransom note. Speaking at a press conference, FBI Special Agent Jon Edwards said authorities are doing “everything in our power to bring Nancy Guthrie home to her family.”
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos described the situation as “a race against time,” noting that Nancy Guthrie has mobility issues and relies on daily medications. Possible DNA evidence was recovered at the scene, though results may take several days.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday night around 9:45 p.m. in Arizona’s Catalina Foothills area. She is described as 5-foot-5, approximately 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.
As the investigation entered its third day, Savannah Guthrie broke her silence, sharing a heartfelt statement on behalf of her family.
“I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers, and messages of support,” she said. “Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom. We thank law enforcement for their tireless work and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.”
She later took to social media with an emotional plea, asking supporters to join her family in prayer.
“We believe in prayer. We believe in voices raised in unison — in love, in hope,” Guthrie wrote. “Above all, we believe in Him. Please lift your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, Nancy.”
The outpouring of support has been swift, as colleagues, viewers, and fans rally behind the longtime NBC journalist during one of the most painful moments of her life.
Anyone with information regarding Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.
