Savannah Guthrie, co-host of TODAY, has stepped back from a major Winter Olympics role after receiving what one colleague called “the worst phone call of her life".
The devastating news came after her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, was reported missing from her Arizona home.
Savannah had been preparing to travel to Italy on February 1 to host the opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics, but instead, she was blindsided by a call informing her that her mother had disappeared, per The Sun.
The tragic turn of events has led the 54-year-old to withdraw from her work responsibilities and remain in Arizona to support the ongoing search for Nancy.
The Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie
Nancy was last seen on the evening of January 31, when she was dropped off at her Tucson, Arizona, home by her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni.
The following morning, when Nancy failed to show up for church, her family realized something was terribly wrong. She was reported missing, and the search for her quickly ramped up.
Authorities believe that she was taken from her home around 2 AM on February 1, as indicated by her Apple Watch, which stopped syncing with her pacemaker around that time.
Investigators have discovered disturbing signs at Nancy's property, including her phone, wallet, and car being left behind, along with evidence of a struggle.
Blood was found by the front door, and her Ring doorbell was removed, further intensifying the mystery of her disappearance.
President Trump's Support and Federal Involvement
As the search efforts continued, President Donald Trump expressed his support, vowing to deploy all available federal law enforcement resources to assist in locating Nancy.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, he revealed that he had spoken with Savannah and promised to mobilize federal agents alongside local authorities.
“I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family’s, and Local Law Enforcement’s, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY,” he wrote.
“We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY!” he added.
This intervention led to the arrival of FBI agents and sheriff’s department officials at Nancy’s home on February 4.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department continues to lead the search, with a $2,500 reward offered for information that could lead to an arrest in the case, Daily Mail reported.
Savannah Guthrie’s Heartfelt Plea
In an emotional Instagram video shared on February 4, Savannah, accompanied by her siblings Annie and Camron, made a tearful public appeal for her mother’s safe return.
“We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media," she said, speaking directly to both her mother and any potential abductors. "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.”
As she spoke, Savannah emphasized the urgency of her mother’s medical condition. “She is 84 years old. 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,” she explained.
She also shared a poignant message to her mother, saying, “Everyone is looking for you, mommy, everywhere. We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again.”
Savannah’s siblings also expressed their deep love and longing for their mother. Annie, her sister, reflected emotionally, “Nancy is our mother. We are her children. She is our beacon.” She continued, “Mama, mama, if you're listening, we need you to come home. We miss you.”
Camron, their brother, ended the heartfelt video by saying, “We love you mama. Stay strong.”
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is continuing its search for Nancy and has urged the public to come forward with any relevant tips.