Savannah Guthrie Makes Emotional Plea to Mother's Kidnappers
In a heart-wrenching development, Today show host Savannah Guthrie has publicly appealed to the individuals believed to have kidnapped her mother, Nancy Guthrie. The television personality released a video message on Saturday, February 8, 2026, directly addressing her mother's potential captors with a desperate plea for her safe return.
Family's Desperate Video Message
Flanked by her siblings Camron and Annie, Savannah Guthrie delivered an emotional statement via Instagram that has captured national attention. "We received your message, and we understand," Guthrie stated in the video. "We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay."
The Guthrie family's public appeal comes as the search for Nancy Guthrie enters its second week. Authorities believe the 74-year-old woman was taken against her will from her home just outside Tucson, Arizona, with disturbing evidence including her blood found on the front porch of the residence.
Ransom Demands and FBI Investigation
Multiple news organizations have received alleged ransom letters related to the case, according to FBI spokesperson Kevin Smith. The Tucson-based television station KOLD confirmed receiving an email related to the Guthrie case on social media last Friday, though specific details remain confidential as the FBI continues its review.
Media outlets including TMZ and CNN affiliate KGUN have reported receiving ransom notes with specific demands. TMZ's Harvey Levin revealed that one letter claimed Nancy was "safe but scared" and sought millions in cryptocurrency to be sent to a specified Bitcoin address. KGUN reported receiving a ransom note demanding $6 million in Bitcoin with a Monday deadline, accompanied by threats to Nancy's life if the deadline wasn't met.
Growing Health Concerns
As the investigation continues into its eighth day, authorities have expressed increasing concern about Nancy Guthrie's medical condition. The missing woman reportedly requires daily medication and has significant health issues including a pacemaker, high blood pressure, and heart problems according to sheriff's dispatcher audio obtained by broadcastify.com.
Despite extensive search efforts, authorities have not identified any suspects in the case. The FBI office in Phoenix is leading the investigation with assistance from local law enforcement agencies throughout Arizona.
National Attention and Presidential Response
The case has garnered significant national attention, with U.S. President Donald Trump pledging federal resources to assist in the investigation. "I was directing federal authorities to help investigate," the president stated, emphasizing the seriousness with which his administration views the kidnapping.
The Guthrie family's public appeal represents a dramatic turn in the case, as they attempt to establish direct communication with those holding their mother. Their willingness to pay for Nancy's safe return underscores the family's desperation and the emotional toll the kidnapping has taken on all involved.
As the Monday deadline approaches in some ransom demands, law enforcement continues to work around the clock while the Guthrie family maintains their public plea for Nancy's safe return. The case has highlighted the growing concern about cryptocurrency-related ransom demands and the challenges facing law enforcement in such complex kidnapping investigations.
