(NEXSTAR) – “Today” host Savannah Guthrie will not take part in NBC’s Olympic Games coverage later this week as the search for her mother, Nancy Guthrie, continues.
NBC Sports confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE and The Associated Press that Savannah Guthrie would no longer cover the Games. “Our hearts are with her and the entire Guthrie family as the search continues for their mother,” the statement read, in part.
Sheriff says they’re ‘aware’ of reported ‘ransom note’ related to Nancy Guthrie
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen on Saturday night at her Tucson, Arizona, home, where she lived alone. When she didn’t attend church on Sunday, a member called a family member of Guthrie’s. Her family then searched her home before calling authorities, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.
“We do believe that Nancy was taken from her home against her will, and that’s where we’re at,” Nanos said during a press conference on Tuesday. He previously said Nancy has “some physical ailments, has some physical challenges, [and] is in need of medication.”
This image provided by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, shows a missing person alert for Nancy Guthrie. (Pima County Sheriff’s Department via AP)
During Tuesday’s press conference, Nanos declined to say whether Guthrie was the victim of a random or targeted abduction, or whether a ransom demand had been made. Early Tuesday evening, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said it was “aware of reports” regarding “possible ransom note(s)” related to Guthrie.
“We are taking all tips and leads very seriously,” the social media post read. “Anything that comes in, goes directly to our detectives who are coordinating with the FBI.”
In a post to Instagram Monday, Savannah Guthrie called for prayers, asking her followers to “believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment.” Nanos said the 54-year-old, who has not been on the “Today” show this week, was in Arizona.
FILE – Savannah Guthrie attends the third annual World Mental Health Day Gala, hosted by Project Healthy Minds, at Spring Studios on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, file)
Savannah, who has two siblings, was 16 when their father died. Nancy Guthrie raised them on her own. The host often brought her mother on “Today” as a guest.
“She has met unthinkable challenges in her life with grit, without self-pity, with determination and always, always with unshakeable faith,” Savannah said on the show in 2022 on Nancy Guthrie’s 80th birthday.
“She loves us, her family, fiercely, and her selflessness and sacrifice for us, her steadfastness and her unmovable confidence is the reason any of us grew up to do anything.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
