Savannah Guthrie breaks down as she pleads for her missing mother’s return in emotional video
The Today Show anchor and her siblings say they are “ready to talk” as FBI ramps up investigation into possible kidnapping of their mother, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie
Savannah Guthrie has made a heartbreaking plea for the safe return of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, who vanished from her Arizona home last weekend. In a tearful video, Savannah and her siblings begged the suspected kidnappers to make contact and provide proof that their mother is alive.
The emotional video, posted to Savannah Guthrie’s Instagram, showed the Today Show anchor flanked by her sister Annie and brother Camron as they struggled to hold back tears. Speaking directly to whoever may have taken their mother, Savannah said the family is ready to communicate and pleaded for proof of life.
“Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light,” she said. “She needs her medicine. She needs it not to suffer.”
Nancy was last seen on Saturday, January 31, after being dropped off at her Tucson home by her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni. Since then, she hasn’t been heard from.
Authorities quickly turned her $1 million property back over to the family, but the FBI returned the next day as the investigation took a more serious turn. Blood was discovered on the front walkway, and her Ring doorbell had been ripped off. Her phone, wallet, car, and even her Apple Watch were found inside the home, suggesting she may have been taken suddenly in the middle of the night.
FBI joins forces as Trump offers federal support
In a rare move, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he had spoken with Savannah Guthrie and directed federal agencies to prioritize the case. “We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely,” he wrote.
The FBI is now fully involved, bringing in hostage negotiators and crime scene experts. A retired agent told Daily Mail the video plea likely came with FBI guidance, noting the family’s choice to humanize Nancy by repeatedly calling her “Mommy” in the clip.
Legal analyst Andrew McCabe suggested the family has not yet received a clear ransom demand and may be using the video to open a line of communication.
Unanswered questions and rising concerns
Authorities remain tight-lipped about possible suspects, but several theories are being explored. One is a connection to Savannah’s status as a public figure. Investigators have asked NBC whether any obsessive fans may have sent unusual mail or gifts in recent weeks.
There’s also an earlier incident from January involving a trespasser in the neighborhood. A motion sensor light reportedly scared off the intruder before they could be identified.
At the same time, law enforcement is looking into a possible ransom letter, though no official confirmation has been given. Sheriff Chris Nanos stressed that every lead is being taken seriously and that they “believe Nancy is alive.”
Inside the eerie scene at Nancy’s Tucson home
The Guthrie family home sits in the quiet, upscale Catalina Foothills, where streets are dark at night and homes are spaced far apart. Photos from the property show crime scene tape, K-9 units combing the grounds, and FBI vehicles lined up outside.
Authorities confirmed that Nancy’s Apple Watch stopped syncing with her pacemaker around 2 a.m., indicating she may have been abducted during the night.
Meanwhile, a detective from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force was spotted at the property, suggesting authorities are not ruling anything out.
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As the video continues to circulate online, many across the country have joined in prayers and support for Savannah and her family.
“We will not rest until we are together again,” Savannah said, fighting back tears. “Mommy, you are God’s precious daughter. We love you. Stay strong.”
Her siblings echoed the message simply: “We love you, mom. Stay strong.”
No suspects have been named, but police say they are gathering neighborhood security footage and hunting for a vehicle of interest. They also reassured the public there is no broader threat at this time.
Authorities are expected to give another update on Thursday as they continue their search for answers.
For now, Savannah’s message to whoever is responsible is clear: “Please, reach out to us. We are ready to listen.”
If you have any information about Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts, contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department or the FBI immediately.
