In a stunning and heartbreaking development that has sent shockwaves through the nation, authorities have confirmed that a ransom demand has been made in the case of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC’s Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. Just hours ago, at approximately 6:00 a.m. local time, Savannah Guthrie received a chilling phone call from an unknown individual claiming responsibility for kidnapping her mother and demanding an enormous sum—reportedly in the millions—for Nancy’s safe release.
The call, described by sources close to the investigation as brief but terrifying, marks the first direct communication from the perpetrator(s) since Nancy vanished from her home in the upscale Catalina Foothills neighborhood near Tucson late on January 31, 2026. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, who has led the high-profile investigation from the outset, held an emergency press conference this morning to address the breakthrough while urging extreme caution.
“This is a fluid and extremely sensitive situation,” Sheriff Nanos stated solemnly. “We can now confirm that a ransom demand has been received by the family. Law enforcement is working around the clock with federal partners, including the FBI, to verify authenticity, trace the call, and ensure Nancy Guthrie’s safety remains the absolute priority. We ask the public not to speculate or share unverified details that could jeopardize ongoing efforts.”
The demand, according to law enforcement sources speaking on condition of anonymity due to the active nature of the case, is believed to exceed several million dollars. Exact figures have not been publicly disclosed to avoid complicating negotiations or encouraging copycat attempts. The caller reportedly used a disguised voice and instructed that payment be prepared in cryptocurrency or untraceable funds, with further instructions to follow via a secure channel. No proof-of-life evidence—such as a photo or video of Nancy—was provided during the initial contact, heightening fears for her well-being given her advanced age, limited mobility, and dependence on daily medication.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen between 9:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, when family members—including Savannah—dropped her off at her residence after a quiet dinner. She lives independently but requires assistance for longer distances due to mobility issues and takes essential prescriptions that, if interrupted for too long, could pose serious health risks. When she failed to appear at church the next morning—a longstanding routine—family became alarmed, searched the home, and alerted authorities around noon on February 1.
From the beginning, the case raised red flags. Investigators quickly declared the home a full crime scene, citing “very concerning” and “suspicious” evidence inside. Sheriff Nanos has repeatedly emphasized: “I believe she was abducted… She did not leave on her own. She did not go willingly.” Reports from sources familiar with the investigation, including leaks to outlets like the Los Angeles Times, indicate the discovery of blood evidence within the residence, along with potential DNA from an unknown individual, cellphone data anomalies, and possible gaps in home surveillance footage. The sheriff described the abduction as likely occurring in the “dead of night,” possibly while Nancy slept, painting a picture of a calculated, invasive act.
The search operation launched immediately has been one of the most extensive in recent Pima County history. Helicopters, drones, fixed-wing aircraft, K-9 units (including specialized teams from U.S. Customs and Border Protection), ground search-and-rescue volunteers, and multi-agency coordination have scoured the rugged Catalina Foothills and surrounding desert terrain. Despite exhaustive efforts, no trace of Nancy has been found—until today’s ransom confirmation shifted the focus dramatically from search-and-rescue to active hostage negotiation.
Savannah Guthrie, who rushed to Tucson upon learning of her mother’s disappearance and has missed Today broadcasts to be with family, has been at the center of the emotional storm. Known for her poise and warmth on national television, she has maintained a public stance rooted in faith and hope. In previous social media posts, she wrote: “We believe in prayer. We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope… Bring her home.” Sources say Savannah was devastated by the ransom call but remains composed, cooperating fully with authorities while leaning on close family, friends, and her deep religious convictions.
The Guthrie family has long been a fixture in American media. Savannah, a respected journalist and co-anchor alongside Hoda Kotb, has shared glimpses of her close bond with her mother over the years—Nancy attending tapings, family holidays, and quiet moments of support. This personal tragedy has united viewers nationwide, with thousands flooding social media with prayers, well-wishes, and offers of support. A reward of up to $2,500 through 88-CRIME was already in place for tips leading to an arrest; that amount is expected to increase significantly now that a ransom angle has emerged.
Experts weighing in on the case describe it as “highly unusual” from the start. Retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer told Newsweek earlier this week that abducting an elderly person with mobility challenges is rare unless driven by a specific motive—financial gain being the most obvious. The delay in any demand (several days passed without contact) puzzled analysts, but today’s call aligns more closely with classic kidnapping-for-ransom patterns, albeit targeting the family of a celebrity rather than a traditional high-net-worth individual.
Questions swirl: Who made the call? Was it a lone actor or an organized group? How did they gain access to the secure Catalina Foothills home without immediate detection? Could this be linked to Savannah’s public profile, or is it coincidental? Authorities stress they are exploring all angles, including the possibility of someone known to the family or with a personal grudge. The sheriff has pleaded directly to the perpetrator(s): “Just call us. Let her go. We want Nancy home safe.”
As negotiations begin—likely involving FBI crisis specialists—the nation holds its breath. Nancy’s medication needs add unbearable urgency; every hour counts. Savannah’s colleagues at NBC have rallied, with on-air tributes and messages of solidarity. Hoda Kotb, fighting back tears during a segment, said: “Savannah is family to us. We’re all praying for Nancy’s safe return.”
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has urged anyone with information—sightings of suspicious vehicles near the home on January 31, unusual activity, or knowledge of individuals with motives—to contact them immediately at 520-351-4900 or the dedicated tip line. They warn against engaging with any unsolicited demands or scammers exploiting the situation.
In this moment of profound uncertainty, one thing remains clear: hope endures. Prayers continue to pour in from coast to coast for Nancy Guthrie—a beloved mother, grandmother, and pillar of her family—to be brought home unharmed. The coming hours and days will test the resolve of investigators, the family, and a watching public. For now, the focus is singular: Bring Nancy home.
