The Heartbreaking Story Behind Savannah Guthrie’s Mother

Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, remains the focus of a high-profile kidnapping investigation that has gripped the nation since early February 2026. What began as a quiet disappearance from her home near Tucson has escalated into a complex case involving a purported multimillion-dollar Bitcoin ransom demand, a fake extortionist arrest, and an emotional public plea from one of America’s most recognizable journalists.

Nancy Elizabeth Guthrie (née McGowan), born in 1941 in Oklahoma, has lived a private life largely out of the spotlight despite her daughter’s fame. A widow since the death of her husband, Charles “Chuck” Guthrie, in 2012, she resided alone in a secluded home in the Tucson foothills. Friends describe her as independent, kind-hearted, and still active in gardening and church activities despite mobility challenges from arthritis.

Here are 10 essential facts about Nancy Guthrie and the unfolding drama that has placed her at the center of a national news story.

1. Lifelong Connection to Savannah Guthrie Nancy raised Savannah and her three siblings — Camron, Annie, and an older brother who passed away in childhood — in Tucson after the family moved from Oklahoma. Savannah has frequently spoken of her mother’s influence, calling her “the strongest woman I know” in interviews. Nancy attended nearly every major milestone in Savannah’s career, including her “Today” show debut in 2012 and her wedding to Michael Feldman in 2014.
2. Disappearance on February 1, 2026 Nancy was last seen at her home on the evening of Jan. 31, 2026. Family members grew concerned when she failed to answer calls or texts the next morning. A relative conducted a welfare check and discovered signs of a struggle: overturned furniture, broken glass, and blood spatter on the kitchen floor. Pima County Sheriff’s deputies classified the scene as a “possible kidnapping or abduction” and immediately launched a major investigation.
3. Bitcoin Ransom Demand Surface On Feb. 4, 2026, TMZ reported receiving an anonymous email containing a ransom note demanding $8 million in Bitcoin to a specific wallet address. The note claimed Nancy was “alive but scared” and included non-public details about the crime scene (a damaged antique lamp and a specific blood pattern), lending credibility. The kidnappers set a first deadline of Feb. 5 at 5 p.m. and a second for Feb. 9, threatening “more serious consequences” if unpaid.
4. Savannah Guthrie’s Emotional Public Pleas On Feb. 5, Savannah posted a tearful video on Instagram and X, addressing the captors directly: “If you have my mom, please reach out. We just need to know she’s OK. We will do whatever it takes — just give us a sign of life.” The post garnered more than 12 million views in 24 hours and was widely shared by celebrities including Hoda Kotb, Jenna Bush Hager, and Al Roker.
5. Fake Extortionist Arrest On Feb. 6, 2026, the FBI arrested 42-year-old Derrick Callella of Torrance, California, after he sent text messages to Guthrie family members demanding Bitcoin payment. Authorities quickly identified him as an opportunistic fraudster with no connection to the abduction. Callella was charged with making illegitimate ransom threats and released on $20,000 bond. The arrest highlighted how publicity can attract copycat criminals.
6. No Confirmed Proof of Life As of Feb. 11, 2026, investigators have not received verifiable proof that Nancy is still alive. The original ransom note’s Bitcoin wallet has received no funds, and no further communications matching the level of detail in the first message have surfaced. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said the case remains active and that “every resource is being devoted to bringing Nancy home safely.”
7. $50,000 Reward and Community Response A $50,000 reward is offered for information leading to Nancy’s safe return. Local churches in Tucson have held prayer vigils, and neighbors have organized daily searches of surrounding desert areas. Savannah’s co-workers at NBC have worn blue ribbons — Nancy’s favorite color — on air in solidarity.
8. Nancy’s Quiet but Full Life Before her disappearance, Nancy lived independently, drove herself to church and grocery stores, and enjoyed gardening, reading mystery novels, and attending her grandchildren’s events. Friends say she was of sound mind but had begun using a walker for longer distances due to arthritis. She had no known enemies and no history of disputes that would suggest motive.
9. Broader Context: Cryptocurrency in Kidnappings The use of Bitcoin in the ransom demand fits a growing trend of “wrench attacks” — physical abductions designed to force victims or relatives to transfer cryptocurrency. Blockchain transparency makes Bitcoin traceable with proper tools, and experts say demanding crypto is often a “rookie mistake” for kidnappers. The FBI’s Cryptocurrency Fraud Unit is assisting in the investigation.
10. Ongoing Investigation and Hope The case is being jointly investigated by the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, FBI Phoenix Field Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona. A multi-agency task force continues neighborhood canvasses, analysis of surveillance footage from nearby homes, and forensic examination of the ransom note and communications. Savannah has said the family will not give up: “We are praying, we are hoping, and we are fighting every day for my mom’s safe return.”

Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance has united a community, drawn national attention, and reminded millions of the fragility of life — even for families in the public eye. As the search enters its second week, her loved ones cling to hope that the woman who raised a national news anchor will soon be home again.