Savannah Guthrie turns to prayer as police investigate the disappearance of her 84-year-old mother as a possible abduction.
As the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance enters its third day, concern is growing across the country — and Savannah Guthrie is turning to faith for strength.
The Today show co-anchor publicly asked for prayers on Tuesday as authorities continue to search for her 84-year-old mother, whose disappearance from her Arizona home is now being treated as a possible kidnapping or abduction.
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing Sunday, after family members realized she had vanished overnight without her phone, car, or essential medication.
In an emotional message shared on social media, Savannah spoke directly to supporters, asking them to join her family in prayer. She described her mother as a woman of deep faith and conviction and expressed hope that collective prayers could bring comfort — and answers — during the agonizing wait.
“We believe in prayer. We believe in love and hope,” she wrote, urging others to believe with her that Nancy would be safely returned. “Bring her home,” she added.
While Savannah’s words reflected spiritual resolve, law enforcement officials emphasized the seriousness of the situation. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that investigators no longer view the case as a routine missing-person search.
Instead, Nancy’s home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson is now considered a crime scene.
Authorities believe Nancy did not leave voluntarily. Sheriff Nanos said she was mentally sharp, not suffering from dementia, but had limited mobility and relied on daily medication.
“We know she didn’t just walk out,” he said during a press conference. “There were indicators at the scene that suggest she was taken against her will.”
Investigators are working quickly, describing the case as a “race against time.” Possible DNA evidence has been collected and submitted for testing, though results may take several days.
Detectives are also reviewing other physical and digital evidence as they try to determine who may be responsible.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday night around 9:45 p.m. local time. A family member reported her missing the following day, around noon.
Sheriff Nanos later told NBC Nightly News that it is extremely rare for an elderly woman to disappear from her own bed overnight without explanation.
The Guthrie family has been fully cooperative with authorities throughout the investigation. Savannah has been absent from Today this week, but earlier released a statement thanking the public for their support and praising law enforcement’s efforts.
Nancy Guthrie is a mother of three adult children and a grandmother. She has appeared alongside Savannah on Today in the past and was previously honored on the show for her 80th birthday.
Savannah has often spoken about her mother’s influence, calling her a steady source of wisdom and faith.
As police continue their work, officials are urging anyone with information — no matter how small — to come forward. They are also asking that if anyone knows Nancy’s whereabouts, she be taken somewhere safe immediately.
For now, Savannah Guthrie and her family are holding on to hope — and asking the world to pray alongside them.
PHOTO CREDIT: Savannah Guthrie/Instagram
