New York, NY – Savannah Guthrie made a poignant return to NBC Studios in New York City on Thursday, but not to anchor “Today.” The longtime morning show host visited the studio off-camera to express her gratitude to colleagues as the search for her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, continues following her abduction from her Arizona home. The visit marks Guthrie’s first time at the studio since her mother’s disappearance on February 1st, a case that has drawn national attention and prompted a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s safe return.
The emotional visit came as Guthrie remains focused on supporting her family and aiding in the investigation. NBC News confirmed that Guthrie spent time thanking her “Today” show team for their unwavering support during this challenging period. While she intends to return to the show, her priority remains bringing her mother home safely. The search for Nancy Guthrie, who was last seen in Tucson, Arizona, continues to be treated as a likely kidnapping, according to authorities.
During Thursday’s broadcast, Guthrie’s co-hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones spoke movingly about her visit. Bush Hager shared that Guthrie expressed her intention to return to the show, despite the immense emotional toll. “She said that she has the intention to return to the show even though it feels the hardest thing to do,” Bush Hager told viewers, visibly emotional. “It’s also her home and where she feels so loved. She is beyond loved here.” Jones echoed those sentiments, praising Guthrie’s strength and resilience.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has been leading the investigation, working alongside the FBI. Sheriff Chris Nanos told NBC News that investigators believe Nancy Guthrie is still alive and are actively pursuing thousands of leads. The department has dedicated a team from its homicide unit to the case, underscoring the seriousness of the investigation.
Details of the Disappearance and Investigation
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1st after failing to appear for church services, following a family dinner the previous evening. Investigators discovered drops of her blood on the doorstep of her Tucson home. A security camera was also stolen from the property, but not before capturing footage of a ski-masked individual with a backpack and a gun attempting to obscure the lens. More than a dozen gloves have been recovered in the surrounding area, but authorities have determined that a glove initially believed to be connected to the suspect actually belonged to a worker at a local restaurant, according to reports.
Despite the efforts, investigators have yet to find a DNA match in the CODIS federal database. Ransom notes were received after the abduction, but provided no confirmation of Nancy Guthrie’s continued well-being. Local authorities initially detained and released several individuals as potential leads dried up. The announcement of a $1 million reward, offered by Savannah Guthrie and her family, generated a surge of new tips, which the Pima County Sheriff’s Department is currently reviewing.
Sheriff Nanos stated that his department is examining video footage from nearby homes in an attempt to identify any vehicles that may have been involved in the abduction, but no definitive links have been established at this time. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Guthrie’s Absence from “Today” and the Olympics
Savannah Guthrie has been absent from her duties on “Today” and also withdrew from NBC’s coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy, to focus on her mother’s case. Her colleagues have consistently expressed their support and admiration for her strength during this challenging time. Bush Hager recalled a conversation with Guthrie, sharing that her faith has been a constant source of strength. “’God has always been my first resort,’” Bush Hager recounted Guthrie saying, adding that her colleague is “one of the most precious things in our lives.”
Sheinelle Jones, who previously took a leave of absence following the death of her husband, Uche Ojeh, expressed her understanding of Guthrie’s emotional state. “I witness it as we’re in this storm and we’re not out of the storm but there’s a light somewhere even in the midst of the storm,” Jones said. “And I think her coming here and just being able to be with us, for us to be able to hug her — I think it’s a step.”
Anyone with information regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on locating Nancy Guthrie and bringing her home safely. Authorities are continuing to follow up on leads and analyze evidence in hopes of a breakthrough in the case. The outpouring of support for Savannah Guthrie and her family highlights the community’s desire for a positive resolution.
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