In an emotional appeal, Savannah Guthrie, the popular Today host, made a tearful plea for the safe return of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing since February 1.
In a video posted on Instagram on Wednesday, February 4, Savannah, along with her siblings Annie and Camron, reached out to both their mother and Nancy's potential abductor, urging them to come forward.
Savannah Guthrie's Emotional Appeal
"We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media," Savannah shared in the video.
"As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us."
The emotional plea continued as Savannah described her mother as “our heart and our home,” emphasizing her concern for Nancy’s health.
"She is 84 years old," Savannah explained. "Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer."
A Mother’s Love and Community Support
In her video, Savannah highlighted the outpouring of support from the community, expressing gratitude for the prayers and love sent to her family.
"On behalf of our family, we want to thank all of you for the prayers for our beloved mom, Nancy. We feel them and we continue to believe that she feels them too," she said.
Savannah painted a picture of the mother she cherishes: “Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light.
"She is funny, spunky, and clever. She has grandchildren that adore her and crowd around her and cover her in kisses. She loves fun and adventure. She is a devoted friend. She is full of kindness and knowledge. Talk to her and you'll see."
Turning directly to her mother, Savannah added: "Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God's precious daughter, Nancy. We believe and know that even in this valley He is with you.
"Everyone is looking for you, mommy, everywhere. We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again. We speak to you every moment and we pray without ceasing and we rejoice in advance for the day that we hold you in our arms again. We love you."
Heartbreaking Words from Nancy’s Children
Savannah’s siblings also shared their heartfelt messages. Annie, her sister, shared a touching reflection, saying: "The light is missing from our lives. Nancy is our mother. We are her children. She is our beacon.
"She holds fast to joy in all of life's circumstances. She chooses joy, day after day. Despite already having passed through great trials of pain and grief, we are always going to be merely human. Just normal human people who need our mom. Mama, mama, if you're listening, we need you to come home. We miss you."
Camron, their brother, concluded the emotional video by saying: "We love you mama. Stay strong."
The Search for Nancy Guthrie Intensifies
The search for Nancy, 84, has been ongoing since she was reported missing from her home in Arizona on Sunday, February 1.
Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that she was last seen by family members at around 9:30PM local time on Saturday, January 31.
In her first public statement on the matter, Savannah addressed the situation with her Today show colleagues, who read her message aloud on February 2, as she was absent from the broadcast.
“On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers, and messages of support. Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom,” Savannah wrote.
Sheriff Chris Nanos of Pima County, in an interview with PEOPLE on February 2, shared more details about the investigation.
"They're just devastated like anyone would be. They are a family and they lean on each other," he said, offering his support to the family. Nanos also confirmed that authorities believe Nancy was taken "against her will" and that her home is considered a "crime scene."
During a press conference, Nanos made a direct appeal to the public, urging anyone with information to come forward.
"We don't need another bad, tragic ending. We need some help," he said, highlighting Nancy's vulnerable health condition.
“This is an 84-year-old lady who suffers from some physical ailments, has some physical challenges, is in need of medication — medication that, if she doesn't have in 24 hours, it could be fatal," Nanos added. "She is of great sound mind and did not leave on her own.”
Savannah’s Call for Prayer and Faith
On the same day, Savannah took to Instagram again to thank the public for their ongoing support and to ask for continued prayers for her mother.
"We believe in prayer. We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope. We believe in goodness," Savannah wrote in her post. "We believe in humanity. Above all, we believe in Him."
She also included a quote from the Bible, Isaiah 26:3, to offer comfort: “He will keep in perfect peace those whose hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord, a verse of Isaiah for all time for all of us." The post concluded with the simple message: "Bring her home."