The search for Nancy Guthrie, 84, mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has intensified across the rugged terrain of Arizona, sparking nationwide concern and mobilizing extensive emergency resources. Nancy went missing from her home in the Catalina Foothills, an affluent neighborhood set against the dramatic backdrop of the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson. Since she was last seen on Saturday, January 31, 2026, local authorities and the community have been working tirelessly to find her. Savannah’s absence from her anchor desk at 30 Rockefeller Plaza has only underscored the urgency and gravity of the situation.
Local authorities became concerned after family members were unable to reach Nancy. According to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, the search began almost immediately, with deputies and volunteer search-and-rescue teams scouring the area. The Catalina Foothills present unique challenges: while residential, the region features steep inclines, dense desert vegetation, and deep arroyos, all difficult terrain for anyone, especially an elderly person. Sheriff Chris Nanos, overseeing the investigation, emphasized the urgency, noting Nancy’s age and medical considerations make time a critical factor. To cover the expansive search area, authorities have deployed a full array of resources, including K-9 units trained in scent tracking and drones equipped with thermal imaging.
Savannah Guthrie’s absence from the Today show was felt immediately in the broadcasting world. Known for her composure and journalistic rigor, she left the anchor desk without hesitation, flying to Arizona to be with her family and assist in coordinating the search. On Monday, co-anchor Craig Melvin addressed the situation on air, informing viewers of Savannah’s absence and requesting the public’s thoughts and prayers for the family during a deeply stressful time.
Although Savannah has stayed out of the spotlight to focus on the search, she later released a statement through her representatives. She expressed gratitude for the “overwhelming outpouring of love and kindness” from colleagues, friends, and viewers, emphasizing that her family’s top priority remains Nancy’s safe return. She also praised the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the volunteers, commending their “tireless commitment and professionalism” under such intense circumstances.
Investigators have pursued every lead. Neighbors have been canvassed, doorbell cameras and local business footage reviewed to see if Nancy may have wandered toward a main road. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department issued a Silver Alert—a measure specifically for missing seniors at risk due to health or cognitive concerns. The alert has broadcast Nancy’s description across mobile devices and digital highway signs throughout Arizona, turning residents statewide into potential witnesses.
The geography of the Catalina Foothills further complicates the search. Known as a “sky island” ecosystem, the area transitions sharply from desert floor to rising mountains. While daytime temperatures in early February are mild, nights can be dangerously cold, creating the risk of hypothermia for anyone stranded outside. Search teams must balance speed with thoroughness, combing hiking trails and residential washes that crisscross the foothills. Specialized units, including the mountain rescue team, are focusing on the more hazardous terrain along the Coronado National Forest to ensure no area is overlooked.
Across social media and in New York, public concern has reflected Savannah Guthrie’s influence as a journalist. Viewers, celebrities, and fellow journalists have shared photos of Nancy and contact information for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department under the hashtag #FindNancy. The Guthrie family’s longstanding openness about their close bonds has made the situation feel personal to many viewers, as they’ve often seen Savannah speak affectionately of her mother on air.
Despite the attention, the family has requested privacy. They’ve asked the media and public to respect the search perimeter and their home while law enforcement conducts operations. Savannah’s siblings and extended family have joined her in Tucson, maintaining a united front as they await updates.
The search has now entered a critical period. Law enforcement officials note that the first 48 to 72 hours are often decisive in missing person cases involving the elderly. Nonetheless, officials remain cautiously optimistic, citing Nancy’s resilience and the sheer volume of resources deployed. Anyone who has seen Nancy, described as slight in build with a gentle demeanor, is urged to contact 911 or the sheriff’s tip line immediately, as even the smallest sighting could prove crucial.
As the Arizona sun sets, search teams’ lights can be seen moving across the foothills—a symbol of hope and determination for the Guthrie family. The story has transcended the usual news cycle, becoming a narrative of familial devotion and community solidarity. For Savannah, transitioning from reporter to subject of breaking news has been emotionally taxing, but she is buoyed by the support of colleagues and the tireless work of search teams. The nation waits anxiously for the moment the search concludes, hoping for a safe reunion between mother and daughter.