Savannah Guthrie Takes Leave from Today Show Amid Mother's Disappearance Investigation
Savannah Guthrie, the esteemed co-anchor of NBC's flagship morning program Today, has temporarily stepped away from her broadcasting duties as law enforcement authorities intensify their investigation into the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, in Arizona. What began as a routine missing-person report has now escalated into a potential abduction case, with officials describing the circumstances as suspicious and concerning.
Early Life and Family Background of Savannah Guthrie
Born in Victoria, Australia, Savannah Guthrie moved to the United States with her family during her toddler years and was primarily raised in Tucson, Arizona. Her father worked in the mining industry, providing stability until his sudden death from a heart attack when Savannah was just sixteen years old. This tragic event thrust her mother, Nancy Guthrie, into the role of sole provider and emotional anchor for the family.
Nancy Guthrie, now eighty-four years old, became the central pillar supporting Savannah and her siblings through their profound loss. Savannah often credits her mother's unwavering resilience, deep faith, and steadfast guidance as foundational influences that shaped her character and career trajectory. After completing her education at the University of Arizona, Savannah embarked on a distinguished path in journalism and law, eventually rising to prominence at NBC.
Career Achievements and Personal Life
Over her professional tenure, Savannah Guthrie has earned widespread respect for her incisive legal analysis and adept interviewing skills, covering significant national and political stories. In her personal life, she married communications consultant Michael Feldman in 2014, and the couple is blessed with two children—a daughter and a son. Despite her public profile, family remains the cornerstone of Guthrie's life, with her mother Nancy occasionally appearing on the Today show and becoming a familiar figure to viewers and colleagues alike.
The Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie: Timeline and Investigation
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31, 2026, at her residence in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson, Arizona. Concern arose the following day when she failed to attend a scheduled church service and could not be reached via phone. Authorities were alerted, initiating a missing-person investigation that has since transformed into a criminal probe.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has officially designated Nancy's home as a crime scene, indicating that investigators suspect she may have been taken from her residence against her will. Several alarming factors have heightened concerns:
- Nancy Guthrie has limited mobility and relies on daily medication for health management.
- She does not suffer from cognitive impairments, making a voluntary disappearance unlikely.
- Her cellphone and car were left behind at the home, suggesting foul play.
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are employing multiple strategies to locate Nancy, such as reviewing surveillance footage, conducting drone-assisted searches, deploying search-and-rescue teams, and appealing to the public for assistance. The investigation remains active, with authorities pursuing all viable leads.
Savannah Guthrie's Response and Public Appeal
In response to this distressing situation, Savannah Guthrie has taken a temporary leave from the Today show to focus on supporting her family during the search efforts. Through emotional social media posts, she has publicly requested prayers and assistance, succinctly pleading, "Bring her home." Her siblings, including older sister Annie and brother Camron, are also closely involved in the family's response to the crisis.
As of the latest updates, Nancy Guthrie remains missing, with the case treated as a serious criminal investigation rather than a voluntary disappearance. The Guthrie family, along with law enforcement, continues to hope for her safe return while navigating this challenging period.
