NBC has increased security measures around the Today show following the unexplained disappearance of co-host Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, from her Arizona home. The move comes amid an ongoing investigation treating the case as a possible kidnapping, with a $50,000 reward offered for leads. Former co-anchor Hoda Kotb returned to the program to offer support to Guthrie and her colleagues.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her residence in Pima County, Arizona, on January 31, 2026. Local authorities and the FBI are investigating her disappearance as a potential kidnapping, with Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stating on February 3 that evidence at the home was "very concerning" and that Guthrie, who has limited mobility, did not leave on her own. The doorbell camera was disconnected at 1:47 a.m. MST on February 1, and motion was detected at 2:12 a.m., though no footage exists. No suspects or persons of interest have been identified.
The FBI announced a $50,000 reward on February 5 for information leading to Nancy Guthrie's recovery or the arrest of those involved. Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke noted that agents from the Phoenix office are assisting the Pima County Sheriff's Department around the clock.
On Wednesday, February 4, Savannah Guthrie posted a video on Instagram with her siblings, pleading with the possible kidnapper: "She’s 84 years old. Her health, her heart, is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive, and she needs it not to suffer." They emphasized readiness to negotiate but required proof of life, citing concerns over manipulated media.
In response, NBC ramped up security at the Today show's Manhattan studio, including private services and NYPD presence, out of an "abundance of caution," according to reports. Officials have given no indication that Guthrie or the show is targeted. Guthrie skipped co-hosting NBC's 2026 Winter Olympics coverage in Milan to remain in the U.S.
On Friday, February 6, Hoda Kotb, who co-anchored Today with Guthrie from 2018 to 2025, returned to the show. "This whole thing is breaking my heart and I’m happy to be sitting here with you," Kotb said, with co-host Sheinelle Jones replying, "Because you’re family!" Kotb reflected on Guthrie's past support during personal crises for colleagues, adding, "We’ll be patient and put prayers up. And that’s all we can do."
The incident has drawn national support, including vigils and online messages, as the Guthrie family awaits resolution.
