Massive Search For Savannah Guthrie’s Mother In Arizona

The quiet, sun-drenched streets of Catalina Foothills, just north of Tucson, Arizona, have become the focus of national attention as the search intensifies for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC’s "Today" show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. Nancy was reported missing on February 1, 2026, after last being seen at her home near Skyline Drive and Campbell Avenue on the evening of January 31. What began as a missing person’s case has quickly escalated into a full-scale criminal investigation, drawing in local law enforcement, federal agencies, and a concerned public hoping for her safe return.

According to the Arizona Republic, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department launched a massive search operation the night Nancy Guthrie was reported missing. Ground crews, search-and-rescue dogs, drones, and aircraft swept through the desert landscape surrounding her home, but the search was paused after exhaustive overnight efforts to allow rescue teams to rest. Sheriff Chris Nanos, addressing the media on February 2, emphasized the gravity of the situation: “We do in fact have a crime scene, we do in fact have a crime.” He noted that homicide detectives were called to process the scene—an unusual move for a missing person case—because of “concerning circumstances” found at the home.

“She couldn’t walk 50 yards by herself,” Nanos explained at the news conference, highlighting Nancy Guthrie’s limited mobility due to her age. However, he stressed that she had no cognitive issues and was described as "very alert" and "of very sound mind," according to TODAY. The sheriff’s department has repeatedly stated that Nancy did not leave on her own. “She did not leave on her own, we know that,” Nanos said, adding that there were “some suspicious circumstances” that prompted the involvement of homicide detectives.

The details of what exactly caused “grave concern” at the scene remain closely guarded by investigators. As reported by BBC News, Nanos offered few specifics, citing the ongoing and “very active” nature of the investigation. He did confirm, however, that Nancy Guthrie’s home is now considered a crime scene and that foul play cannot be ruled out at this stage. "You don’t typically get the sheriff out at a scene like this, but it’s very concerning what we’re learning from the house," Nanos remarked, according to TODAY.

Descriptions of Nancy Guthrie have been widely circulated: she is a white female, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing about 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. At the time of her disappearance, it was unknown what clothing she was wearing. Authorities have also expressed concern about her physical health, noting that she is currently without the medication she needs to survive, as highlighted by Fox 10 Phoenix and reiterated by Savannah Guthrie’s co-anchor Jenna Bush Hager on the February 2 broadcast of TODAY.

The search effort has been nothing short of extensive. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has enlisted the assistance of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the FBI has been made aware of the case. Search and rescue teams have used every tool at their disposal: helicopters, drones, heat sensors, infrared technology, and volunteers combing the rugged terrain. “Everything we have, we’ve thrown at this,” Nanos said, according to BBC News.

The Guthrie family is working closely with law enforcement throughout the ordeal. In a statement read by her colleagues on TODAY and shared with the public, Savannah Guthrie said, “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. We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.”

Savannah Guthrie, a University of Arizona alumna who grew up in Tucson, was notably absent from the February 2 episode of TODAY. Her co-anchor Craig Melvin addressed the situation at the top of the broadcast, acknowledging the deeply personal nature of the story for the show’s team. The Guthrie family has been described by Sheriff Nanos as cooperative and deeply affected by the situation. “Our hearts go out to them. This is Savannah Guthrie’s mom. Just a great lady, from what I’ve heard, and we just feel for the family and want to bring her back safely,” Nanos said, as reported by Arizona Republic.

The Catalina Foothills, where Nancy Guthrie’s home is located, is an affluent and typically tranquil community, known for its spacious lots and desert scenery. Residents, accustomed to peaceful routines, have been shaken by the sudden influx of law enforcement activity. One neighbor, speaking to Arizona Republic on the condition of anonymity, described the incident as "very unusual," recalling the sight of police vehicles and helicopters circling the area on the night Nancy was reported missing.

Despite the intense search and ongoing investigation, authorities have reassured the public that there is no indication of broader danger to the community. Sheriff Nanos has urged residents to check their home security cameras and report any unusual activity, emphasizing the importance of public vigilance. Anyone with information about Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts is encouraged to call 911 or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department directly.

Nancy Guthrie is no stranger to the public. She has appeared on TODAY several times, most recently in November 2025, when Savannah did a segment about Tucson. Their close relationship has been evident in past broadcasts, with Savannah often speaking about her mother’s unwavering faith and support during challenging times. “When I was in my 30s, I really wished to be married and to be a mom, and things just did not happen that fast for me,” Savannah once shared on TODAY. “And my mom’s confidence that I would be a mom—even as the years ticked by and ticked by and ticked by—meant so much to me. She said, ‘Of course you’ll be a mom, and you’re going to be a wonderful mom.’ And for her to have that confidence and faith was so meaningful to me. It got me through some really hard times.”

As the search for Nancy Guthrie continues, the outpouring of support from both the local community and across the country has been palpable. Law enforcement, family, and friends remain hopeful for her safe return, even as the investigation takes on a more serious tone. With each hour that passes, the urgency grows, but so does the determination to bring answers—and, above all, to bring Nancy home.