Savannah Guthrie's Mom Nancy 'Not In Good Physical Health', Condition May Be Fatal If Not Found Soon

"What happened to Savannah Guthrie's mom?" This question has dominated online searches ever since reports about Nancy Guthrie surfaced on January 31, 2026. More than 48 hours have passed since the 84-year-old mother of the Today anchor was reported missing in Pima County, Arizona. However, what initially began as a simple search has now shifted into a criminal investigation, as investigators suspect an abduction in play. 

Adding to the tension, Nancy's family has raised concerns about her physical well-being, as she has been under medication for some physical issues, and her condition may even prove fatal if not found soon enough. 

Nancy Guthrie's physical challenges raise grave concerns amid her disappearance

On Monday, February 2, 2026, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos made some concerning statements regarding Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, which the department has officially labelled her home as a "crime scene". He especially raised concerns about the 84-year-old's physical health, noting that she suffers from some age-related ailments that require timely medication.

Sheriff Nanos repeatedly stressed that Nancy is "sharp as a tack", noting that the timing is very critical for her well-being. While she doesn't have dementia or other cognitive issues, going more than 24 hours without medication would not at all be a good sign at her age. He told the press:

“Nancy Guthrie is of great sound mind. This is not dementia-related... This is an 84-year-old lady who suffers from some physical ailments. [She] is in need of medication that if she doesn't have in 24 hours, it could be fatal."

Why investigators believe Nancy Guthrie didn't leave willingly

Previously, the Guthrie family had confirmed that Nancy's disappearance was a missing persons case in a statement to NBC, saying, "We can confirm this is a missing persons case, and the family is working closely with local law enforcement." However, when the authorities reached the 84-year-old writer's residence, they reportedly found evidence that raised "grave concern", prompting an intensive law enforcement response. Sheriff Nanos noted:

“This is very concerning to us. We don’t typically get the sheriff out at a scene like this. But it’s very concerning what we’re learning from the house. And so we’ll just continue. The detective’s homicide team is out right now looking at the scene as well.”

Sheriff Nanos has repeatedly stated that investigators don't believe Nancy left her home on her own. Besides her sharp mental state and no signs of dementia, the search party found some "things" at her home that indicate it was an abduction. However, Nanos declined to share specific details due to the active investigation. He said:

"Right now, we don’t see this as much as a search mission as a crime scene... We know she didn’t just walk out of there. There are other things at the scene that indicate that there was a–she did not leave on her own, we know that. We believe now, after we’ve processed that crime scene, that we do have a crime scene, and we do have a crime, and we’re asking for the community’s help."

What is known so far about Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, as daughter Savannah steps away from Today

Nancy was last seen on January 31, 2026, at her home near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson, Arizona, around 9:30 p.m. (local time). The next day, on February 1, her family called 911 after their mother didn't attend church and they couldn't find her in her home. What officers discovered at the residence prompted an intensive law enforcement response, and by Monday, the sheriff confirmed that investigators believe a crime occurred.

Homicide detectives are now involved in the investigation, and the possibility of foul play has not been ruled out. There has been an active search for Nancy Guthrie, and the efforts reportedly include drones, helicopters, infrared technology, and assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol. The FBI is also reported to be aiding the investigation.

Meanwhile, Savannah Guthrie has stepped away from Today and was not seen on the Monday morning episode. Her co-hosts, Sheinelle Jones and Craig Melvin, shared a statement on her behalf during the broadcast. Savannah said her statement:

“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.”

Savannah Guthrie, a popular NBC anchor, is currently scheduled to co-host NBC’s coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies later this week. However, with her mother's disappearance, it remains unclear whether she will travel as planned. 

Right now, finding Nancy Guthrie alive is a top priority, and every second counts, considering her physical health issues.

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