How Close Was Savannah Guthrie To Her Mom, Nancy? Exploring Their Bond As Nancy Guthrie Goes Missing

NBC Today anchor Savannah Guthrie is facing a deeply personal crisis after her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, was reported missing in Arizona. Nancy was last seen on the evening of January 31, 2026, at her residence near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue in the Catalina Foothills area. More than 48 hours later, the search for her continues, with no positive updates so far.

After the Pima County Sheriff’s Department launched an urgent investigation, authorities suspect that Nancy may have been abducted. The search has escalated into a critical criminal investigation, with homicide detectives now involved. Amid the ongoing probe, Savannah has temporarily stepped away from broadcasting duties on the Today show.

Savannah Guthrie and Nancy: A Mother-Daughter Bond

Savannah Guthrie’s close relationship with her mother has been evident to viewers for years. The anchor has often credited Nancy as the family’s anchor, especially after the sudden death of Savannah’s father, Charles Guthrie, when she was just 16. Despite her own grief, Nancy stepped up to support Savannah and her older siblings, Annie and Camron, ensuring the family remained united.

During a Mother’s Day segment on Today, Savannah described her mother as “so strong,” emphasizing how Nancy prioritized her children’s needs during a time of family tragedy: “[Nancy] set aside her own grief in many ways just to be there and make sure that we could all move forward together.”

Nancy worked as a stay-at-home mom while Charles was alive. After his passing, she took a public relations job at the University of Arizona to support Savannah and Annie’s education, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to her children’s futures.

Encouragement and Support for Savannah’s Career

Nancy was instrumental in shaping Savannah’s career ambitions. Savannah lived at home while attending college and initially hesitated to accept her first news anchor position in Montana at age 21. It was Nancy who encouraged her to pursue the opportunity, saying: “If you can’t leave me, then I didn’t do my job right, Savannah… I’m not going to stand in the way of your dreams. Go, go, go.”

This support allowed Savannah to follow her path in professional journalism, a decision that has since defined her career. Over the years, viewers have occasionally glimpsed the loving bond between mother and daughter during Today segments and family trips, including a 2015 visit to Austria, the hospital where Savannah was born.

What We Know About Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance

Nancy was last seen around 9:30 p.m. on January 31, 2026. When she failed to attend church the following day and could not be located, her family contacted authorities on February 1. The initial investigation revealed concerning circumstances at her home, prompting an intensive law enforcement response.

Search efforts have included drones, helicopters, infrared technology, and assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol, with the FBI reportedly involved. Authorities have not ruled out foul play, and every passing hour is considered critical, especially given Nancy’s age-related health concerns and potential lack of essential medication.

Savannah Guthrie has temporarily stepped back from the Today show. Her co-hosts, Sheinelle Jones and Craig Melvin, read a statement from her: “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.”