TV host Savannah Guthrie, who was expected to cover the upcoming Winter Olympics, has released an urgent appeal to her mother, Nancy, who disappeared from her home in Arizona on Saturday night.
Police are currently working on the basis that Nancy has been abducted, leaving the Today host and her family deeply concerned for her welfare.
At this stage, nothing is publicly known about who may have kidnapped Nancy or why.
In a new emotional plea shared via Instagram, Savannah told kidnappers that they must provide irrefutable evidence that Nancy is still alive. “We, too, have heard reports about a ransom letter in the media. As a family, we are doing everything that we can,” the presenter said. “However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive and that you have her.”
She also thanked the public for their prayers.
Police have reportedly confirmed they are aware of a note demanding millions of dollars in Bitcoin for Nancy’s safe return which was sent to several news outlets, according to The Independent.
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Here’s what we know about the worrying disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy.
Who is Savannah Guthrie?
Savannah Guthrie is a US-based broadcast journalist, who is best known as the host NBC’s Today programme, a role she has held since 2012. Prior to this, Savannah spent time working as a legal analyst. She was born in Australia but has become a well-known face on American TV.
She is widely recognised for conducting high-profile interviews with political leaders and public figures, once comparing Trump to someone’s “crazy uncle” when discussing his social media usage.
Savannah has been married to Michael Feldman, a former Democratic political advisor and comms expert, since 2014. Speaking to Page Six, he said he is focussing on "just being responsive" but feels "mostly unhelpful".
Why has Nancy Guthrie been kidnapped?
Police have confirmed they are aware of a ransom note, demanding money in exchange for the safe return of Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old described as having “limited mobility” and who is in constant pain, and in need of medicine, but who is of sound mind – and unlikely to wander off alone.
She disappeared from her home after a family dinner on 31 January, a Saturday night. When Nancy did not attend church the following morning, the alarm was raised.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said, “This is an 84-year-old lady who is safe in her own home, asleep, and she is taken. That should never happen.”
No motive has been confirmed and officers working on the case have received “hundreds of leads”, which they are following up on. The ransom note sent out to news outlets has not been confirmed as legitimate.
In a video on her Instagram account, Savannah described Nancy as a “kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light.
“She is funny, spunky and clever. She has grandchildren who adore her. She loves fun and adventure. She is a devoted friend, full of kindness and knowledge.”
What has Trump said about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance?
The shocking case has generated attention from many high profile figures in the United States, with several publicly offering words of support.
President Trump, when asked during a press conference, said, “I think it’s a terrible thing, I always got along very good with Savannah.” He also committed to having more federal agents on the case, describing it as an “unusual” situation.
Reality star, Khloe Kardashian, also left a supportive message underneath a video released by Savannah, saying she was praying for Nancy’s safe return. “I am praying praying! I am so so sorry for all you are going through. This is unimaginable. Bring her home!!! I have faith.”
Actor Jennifer Garner added, “May God hold Nancy and her family in the palm of His hands.”
Dancer and actor, Jenna Dewan, wrote, “Praying for you and your family daily ❤️🙏🏻❤️🥺.”
Who is replacing Savannah Guthrie in the Winter Olympics?
Given her ongoing family situation, Savannah is understandably no longer able to fulfil her Winter Olympics hosting duties this year – instead, NBC has announced that seasoned sports broadcaster Mary Carillo will be stepping in.
