TUCSON, Arizona — In a poignant television interview aired on March 26 and 27, Savannah Guthrie, host of the TODAY show, opened up about the harrowing experience following her mother’s disappearance, revealing her belief that some ransom communications received were genuine. During the emotionally charged segments, she expressed her outrage toward those who exploited her family’s tragic situation with fake demands.
Guthrie, who is 54, spoke with former co-host and close friend Hoda Kotb about the abduction of her mother, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who vanished on February 1 from her Tucson home. Nearly two months into the investigation, law enforcement has not publicly identified any suspects despite ongoing efforts from the FBI, which includes a disturbing video of a masked individual seen near the family’s home.
In the interview, Guthrie assessed the numerous ransom notes her family has received, stating, “I tend to believe those that we responded to were real.” Disturbingly, at least one ransom demand was confirmed to be a hoax. Derrick Callella, a 42-year-old resident of Hawthorne, California, was arrested and charged for sending a fraudulent ransom message, significantly compounding the family’s anguish.
During her discussion with Kotb, Guthrie condemned the actions of those who create false narratives, urging them to reflect on their actions. “Anyone who would send a fake ransom note really has to look deeply at themselves,” she asserted, emphasizing the emotional toll such insensitivity takes on families in crisis.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31, when she followed her routine of connecting with friends and neighbors for online church services on Sunday. The concern escalated when a friend reported her missing, prompting her family to notify local authorities. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department quickly determined that she had been forcibly taken from her home.
The FBI’s investigation took a startling turn after releasing doorbell camera footage that captured a masked person brandishing a weapon. Guthrie described her experience of viewing this footage as “absolutely terrifying,” reflecting on the horrific prospect that her mother might have encountered this figure in her time of need.
Adding to the family’s heartache, online conspiracy theories have circulated, insinuating involvement from within the family regarding Nancy’s disappearance. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos reassured the public on February 16 that the Guthrie family has been fully cooperative, clearing them of suspicion early in the investigation.
Guthrie addressed the fallout from these rumors, which she described as “unbearable” and “pain upon pain.” She defended her siblings fiercely, asserting that they have been nothing but devoted caretakers for their mother, with her brother playing a vital role in her care.
Hoda Kotb, who left the TODAY show in January 2025, returned to substitute for Guthrie during her absence. She characterized her colleague’s situation as “a tortured limbo,” noting Guthrie’s remarkable composure during such taxing circumstances while recognizing both her vulnerability and strength.
Despite stepping back from her hosting duties, Guthrie briefly visited the TODAY studios on March 5. She remains focused on finding her mother, prioritizing her family’s search over her work as she plans to return to her position in the coming weeks.
The Guthrie family has made a heartfelt appeal for assistance from the Southern Arizona community. They encourage residents to review surveillance footage and personal records from specific dates — January 11, January 31, and the early hours of February 1 — as investigators suspect the earlier date may have been a reconnaissance mission for Nancy’s abduction.
“We continue to believe that Tucsonans and the greater Southern Arizona community hold the key to resolving this case,” the family stated in a recent release. “Someone knows something,” they emphasized, urging community members to consider any details that could aid in their mother’s safe return.
In an effort to facilitate recovery, the Guthrie family has offered a private reward of $1 million for information leading to Nancy’s return, while the FBI adds an additional $100,000. Law enforcement officials stress that the investigation remains active, urging anyone with relevant information to reach out to the FBI or local authorities. The family’s desperate plea underscores their hope that someone will come forward to help bring Nancy home.