Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Disappears: Is the Sheriff Considering Foul Play?

Local law enforcement is making a statement after Savannah Guthrie‘s mother, Nancy Guthrie, was reported missing in Arizona.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos spoke to reporters at a news conference on Sunday, February 1, following the report of the 84-year-old’s disappearance earlier that afternoon.

“This situation is quite alarming for us. We don’t usually have the sheriff present at scenes like this, but the information we’re uncovering from the house is troubling,” Nanos remarked. “We will continue our efforts. The detective’s homicide team is currently examining the scene as well.”

When asked about the possibility of foul play, Nanos stated he was “not ruling it out.”

The sheriff also expressed “some concerns” regarding the findings at Nancy’s residence, which led to the involvement of search and rescue and criminal investigation teams. Volunteers are assisting in the search, with drones, dogs, and a helicopter actively deployed.

“We’ve essentially deployed every available resource,” Nanos emphasized. “[Nancy] is 84 years old and has serious health issues, which is understandably a significant concern.”

Although Nanos noted that Nancy has a “sound mind,” there may be other challenges related to her physical mobility. “We will be on scene all night, processing the house,” he added.

A family member allegedly contacted 911 around noon on Sunday to report Nancy missing. Savannah, 54, was notably absent from the Today show on Monday, February 2, as more details about her family emerged.

Sheinelle Jones filled in for her alongside Craig Melvin, with the duo promptly addressing the “deeply personal story” during the broadcast. They read a statement from Savannah concerning her family’s situation.

“On behalf of our family, I want to extend our gratitude for the thoughts, prayers, and messages of support. Our main focus is on bringing our beloved mom home safely,” the statement read. “We appreciate law enforcement for their diligent work on this matter and encourage anyone with information to reach out to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.”

Savannah has often praised her mother, who even guest-starred on a November 2025 episode of the Today show when the journalist returned to her hometown. A few months earlier, Savannah shared a heartfelt throwback photo of herself and Nancy in celebration of Mother’s Day.

“I love you, mama,” Savannah captioned the post in May 2025.

In 2022, Savannah spoke about her mother’s resilience and support during an interview with cohost Jenna Bush Hager.

“My father passed away when I was about to start my senior year in high school. I then stayed at home all through college. Finances prevented us from affording a dorm. But more than that, my sister and I felt we should stay with our mom and not leave her alone,” Savannah recalled. “When I eventually moved to Butte, Montana, it was incredibly difficult for me to leave her behind.”

Savannah fondly remembered how her mom “encouraged me” to pursue my dreams. “She said, ‘If you can’t leave me, then I didn’t do my job right, Savannah,’” she shared. “She could have easily held onto me. Of course, she wanted me to stay. But she insisted, ‘I won’t stand in the way of your aspirations.’”