Popular morning television presenter Savannah Guthrie has thanked people around the world for their prayers as she made an emotional public appeal for the safe return of her missing mother, who police believe was abducted from her Arizona home.
In a video message posted on Instagram on Wednesday, the TODAY show co-host was joined by her two siblings and led a tearful message.
“On behalf of our family, we want to thank all of you for the prayers for our beloved mom, Nancy,” Guthrie said. “We feel them, and we continue to believe that she feels them too.”
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen on 31st January after being dropped home by relatives following a family dinner. She was reported missing the following day.
Investigators have said her limited mobility means she could not have left her home unassisted, and the case is being treated as a kidnapping. FBI agents are now assisting local authorities.
In her message, Guthrie described her mother’s deep faith and character, calling her “a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light.”
Her sister added: “She holds fast to joy in all of life’s circumstances. She chooses joy day after day, despite having already passed through great trials of pain and grief.”
The family has expressed serious concern for Nancy’s health. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has confirmed she relies on daily medication and lives with constant pain.
“Her health, her heart is fragile,” Guthrie said. “She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer.”
Guthrie also addressed reports of a possible ransom letter circulating in the media, saying the family is seeking certainty amid a digital age where misinformation can spread easily.
“We live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated,” she said. “We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen.”
In one of the most moving moments of the video, Guthrie spoke directly to her mother.
“Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman,” she said. “You are God’s precious daughter, Nancy. We believe and know that even in this valley, He is with you.”
She added that the family is continuing to pray relentlessly, holding onto hope for reunion.
“We pray without ceasing, and we rejoice in advance for the day that we hold you in our arms again,” Guthrie said.
Authorities say no suspects or persons of interest have yet been identified, and a press conference is expected later this week.
