Nancy Guthrie
Nancy Guthrie has been missing since noon of 1 February 2026. Savannah Guthrie/Facebook & Pima County Sheriff

Savannah Guthrie is at the centre of mounting concern as an urgent search intensifies for her missing mother, with authorities warning that time is critical.

Savannah Guthrie's family and colleagues are rallying behind the NBC host after her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, vanished from her Arizona home over the weekend, sparking fears linked to her health and safety.

The disappearance has triggered a multi-agency response, alongside emotional appeals from those close to the family. While officials have been careful not to speculate publicly, statements from law enforcement and on-air tributes from friends have underscored the seriousness of the situation. For now, the focus remains firmly on locating Nancy and ensuring she receives the care she urgently needs.

As details slowly emerge, the case has drawn national attention, not only because of Savannah Guthrie's high profile, but because of troubling concerns raised in the earliest hours of the investigation.

Disappearance Raises Alarm Over Medication Needs

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of Saturday, 31 January, at her home in Tucson, Arizona, and was officially reported missing the following day. The property, described by local officials as a mansion valued at approximately $1 million (£0.79 million), has been her residence since 1975.

During Monday's coverage on the Today show, Savannah Guthrie's longtime friend and colleague Jenna Bush Hager spoke candidly about the gravity of the situation. 'We love Nancy. I know her personally,' she said on Today with Jenna & Sheinelle.

'She takes daily medication and she needs them for survival. She's without her medication so we are thinking of our dearest, dearest Savannah and her whole family right now.'

Authorities echoed those concerns in stark terms. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that Nancy Guthrie requires medication that could be life-saving if administered on time. 'Medication that if she doesn't have it in 24 hours, it could be fatal,' he told reporters, adding urgency to the ongoing search efforts.

Homicide Unit Joins Search as Investigation Widens

While officials stressed that Nancy Guthrie has 'no cognitive issues' and is 'very alert' with a 'good, sound mind', Sheriff Nanos acknowledged that she is 'not in good physical health'. That distinction has complicated the investigation, particularly after deputies assessed the scene at her home.

Describing the circumstances as 'very concerning', Nanos confirmed that a homicide team has joined the investigation alongside search and rescue personnel. The move does not confirm foul play, but signals that investigators are pursuing all possible avenues as the hours pass.

Speaking at a press conference, Nanos issued a direct plea to the public. 'So we make a plea to anyone who knows anything about this, who has seen something, heard something to contact us, to call 911,' he said, urging residents in and around Tucson to remain vigilant.

Savannah Guthrie Breaks Silence With Public Appeal

Savannah Guthrie addressed the situation in a statement released to Today, thanking supporters while emphasising the family's singular focus. 'On behalf of our 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.'

She also praised law enforcement for their response and encouraged anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff's Department directly at 520-351-4900.

In Guthrie's absence from the morning show, Sheinelle Jones filled in alongside Craig Melvin and later reflected on the emotional weight of covering the story. Jenna Bush Hager likewise opened her programme by acknowledging how personal the case feels for the Today family.

As the search continues, colleagues, viewers and authorities alike are united in hope that Nancy Guthrie will be found safe and reunited with her family.