Savannah Guthrie will remain off the “Today” indicate for the “foreseeable future” as the search for her mother, Nancy Guthrie, continues in Tucson, Arizona. The journalist’s absence comes as authorities enter the 15th day of searching for the 84-year-old, a case that has garnered national attention and prompted an outpouring of support for the Guthrie family.
Guthrie, 54, has been a co-anchor of the NBC morning program since July 2012, and her extended leave has understandably sparked discussion about her future with the show. However, sources close to the situation emphasize that the focus remains solely on finding Nancy Guthrie safely. “The entire show and network is rallying together in support of our beloved colleague and friend as we navigate this unimaginable time,” an NBC source told Page Six.
The search for Nancy Guthrie began after she failed to attend a scheduled church service on February 1, prompting her family to alert authorities. She was last seen on January 31 after being dropped off at her Tucson home by her daughter, Annie, and son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, following a daily dinner. The case took a concerning turn with the discovery of a trail of blood at her residence, later confirmed to belong to Nancy.
Adding to the complexity of the investigation, the FBI recently released security camera footage showing an armed, masked individual tampering with Nancy Guthrie’s front door camera on the night she disappeared. The images, which have been widely circulated, depict a person wearing gloves and appearing to adjust the camera’s positioning. Savannah Guthrie shared these images on her Instagram account, pleading for any information that could lead to her mother’s safe return. Instagram/savannahguthrie
Whereas several individuals have been questioned in connection with the case, they have all been released after investigators determined they were not involved. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has acknowledged the challenging nature of the search, stating it could potentially take “years” to resolve. CBS News
Search Efforts Intensify
Law enforcement is employing advanced technology in the search, including aerial sweeps of the Tucson desert using a Bluetooth signal detector in an attempt to locate a signal from Nancy Guthrie’s pacemaker. This innovative approach highlights the dedication of authorities to exhaust all possible leads. The FBI continues to analyze the security footage and pursue any potential clues that may emerge.
Savannah Guthrie’s “Today” show colleagues are stepping up to cover her absence. Hoda Kotb, her former co-anchor, will continue to fill in this week, having opted to remain in the United States instead of traveling to Milan, Italy, for the Winter Olympics. Current co-anchor Craig Melvin also adjusted his schedule to support the program during this demanding time.
Contract Considerations Amidst Personal Crisis
Savannah Guthrie’s current contract with NBC, reportedly worth $7 million per year, was set to expire sometime after October 2024, with more than a year remaining on the deal at that time, according to Page Six. However, those familiar with the situation emphasize that discussions about her contract are secondary to the urgent priority of finding her mother. “Everyone at ‘Today’ is taking this day by day, and of course giving Savannah the grace, time and support she needs,” a source stated.
The situation underscores the delicate balance between professional obligations and personal crises, particularly in the demanding world of broadcast journalism. The network has publicly expressed its unwavering support for Guthrie, recognizing the immense emotional toll the search is taking on her and her family.
As the search for Nancy Guthrie continues, the focus remains on bringing her home safely. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward. The Guthrie family and the entire “Today” show team remain hopeful for a positive resolution.
The coming days will be critical as investigators continue to analyze evidence and pursue leads. The use of advanced technology, combined with the unwavering dedication of law enforcement, offers a glimmer of hope in this challenging situation. We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available.
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, please contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
