By Jack Phillips
Contributing Writer
There was no public sign on Thursday of a response to “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie’s message to anyone who may have abducted her 84-year-old mother.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen on Saturday at about 9:45 p.m. when she was dropped off at home by family after having dinner with them, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said. She was reported missing midday Sunday after she didn’t attend church.
Authorities in Arizona’s Pima County said she needs medication to live. They also said that she has mobility issues and health problems, but added that she is of sound mind. Authorities have suggested she was taken against her will and described her home as a crime scene.
On Wednesday, Savannah Guthrie, who has not hosted the “Today” show since her mother went missing, released a video on social media in response to reports of alleged ransom notes being sent to media outlets. Speaking to anyone who may have abducted her mother, she said that the family is “ready to talk.”
“We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated,” Savannah Guthrie said in a video posted to social media. “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. Please reach out to us.”
Entertainment media outlet TMZ and local Arizona stations said earlier this week that they received alleged ransom notes but could not verify their authenticity. TMZ said the alleged ransom notes were sent to local law enforcement, who confirmed in a statement that they’re under investigation and being taken seriously.
After Guthrie released the video, there were no reports published by any news outlets indicating a response.
Savannah Guthrie was at times emotional during the recording, with her voice cracking. She smiled and looked into the camera when addressing her mother directly, saying that the family was praying for her and that people were looking for her.
“Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God’s precious daughter, Nancy,” she said.
Savannah Guthrie described her mother as a “kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light” and said she was funny, spunky and clever. “Talk to her, and you’ll see,” she said.
President Donald Trump announced he was directing “all federal law enforcement” to assist in locating the woman and said he spoke with the “Today” co-host.
In a Wednesday post on Truth Social, Trump said he is sending law enforcement “to be at the family’s, and local law enforcement’s, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY.”
“We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our nation are with her and her family,” wrote Trump, who had said this week that he had spoken with Savannah Guthrie amid the investigation.
Authorities on Wednesday offered no detailed update on their search. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos’ office also disputed claims that there was any suspect or person of interest identified in the case and dismissed speculative reports. It also urged the public not to share reports containing “unverified accusations.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
