Nancy Guthrie has been missing since midday Sunday.Image: keystone
The kidnapping of the 84-year-old mother of a well-known US presenter is currently keeping the USA in suspense. The most important questions and answers about the case.
Feb 6, 2026, 11:18Feb 6, 2026, 11:18
Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her home in Arizona between last Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Since then, the search for the mother of NBC presenter Savannah Guthrie has been ongoing in the USA. The more time passes, the more critical the 84-year-old’s condition can become. The most important questions and answers about the case.
What exactly happened?
Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday evening at 9:45 p.m. Authorities confirmed that she had previously had dinner nearby with her daughter and son-in-law. Tommaso Cioni, her son-in-law, then took her home and made sure that she had arrived safely at the house. When Nancy didn’t show up at church the next day, her family reported her missing. Police then confirmed that Nancy Guthrie had been kidnapped: “She didn’t leave on her own, she didn’t leave willingly,” said Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.
Nancy Guthrie is constantly wanted in the USA.Image: keystone
The sheriff’s office also said authorities received a copy of a ransom note. They would now work with the FBI to confirm its authenticity.
What does the family say?
The family members have already addressed the public and appealed to the kidnappers to release Nancy. On the one hand, because the pensioner has to take medication every day. If this does not happen, it can have life-threatening consequences for them. Exactly which medications these are is not yet known. However, authorities confirmed that Nancy does not suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or any other brain disorder. On the other hand, the family is also looking for contact with the kidnappers in order to find a way “to move forward”.
Daughter Savannah Guthrie posted two videos on her Instagram account. In the first video she first thanks everyone for the support they received and then describes her mother as “the light of her life”.
Video: watson/instagram/savannahguthrie
In the second video, only Savannah’s brother, Cameron Guthrie, can be seen. He addresses the kidnappers directly:
«We want to communicate with you. We haven’t heard anything directly yet. We want to know what happens next. We need to know that you have our mother.”
Loud CNN The brother’s video came after the first deadline of the alleged ransom letter had expired. The two videos have a total of over 15 million views so far.
Was Nancy Guthrie kidnapped because of her daughter?
Because Savannah Guthrie is in the public eye, it was investigated whether her mother was targeted because of that. However, Sheriff Nanos confirmed that Nancy Guthrie’s relationship with her famous daughter was not the focus of the investigation. There is “no credible information” that the 84-year-old was kidnapped because of her daughter.
Savannah Guthrie is a famous presenter in the USA.Image: keystone
Savannah Guthrie is the host of NBC’s “Today” show. The broadcast is heard loudly AdWeek with around 2.8 million viewers per episode, it is one of the most successful in the USA. The 54-year-old would also have been present at the Winter Olympics for reporting in Italy. How NBC Sports However, she has since canceled this job to be with her family.
What does Donald Trump say?
Even US President Donald Trump has now intervened in the case, which has been making national headlines for days. Trump said on the Truth Social platform that he had personally intervened in the matter and spoken to Savannah Guthrie.
Donald Trump has assured the Guthrie family of support from federal law enforcement.Image: keystone
Trump said he had assured her of the support of federal law enforcement authorities. “We are using all resources to bring her mother home safely.” The prayers of the nation are with her and her family. “GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY,” Trump wrote.