A peaceful Saturday evening in Arizona turned into a nationwide emergency within hours, as an 84-year-old family matriarch vanished without explanation. For Savannah Guthrie, longtime co-anchor of Today, February 2026 has become defined by a deeply personal ordeal. What initially appeared to be a missing persons case has since evolved into a complex federal investigation centered on the possibility of abduction. As of February 23, the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie from her Tucson residence has revealed troubling details that have shaken both her family and the surrounding community.
In the days following Nancy’s disappearance, the Guthrie family has largely stepped out of public view, choosing privacy in order to focus on search efforts. That silence was briefly interrupted when Savannah’s sister, Annie Guthrie, and her husband, Tommaso Cioni, were seen in public for the first time since the investigation began. Photographs taken in Tucson showed a visibly strained couple attempting to move through daily life while under intense media attention.
Authorities began their inquiry after Nancy failed to attend Sunday church services, prompting a welfare check at her home. What deputies discovered quickly escalated concerns. According to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, the residence is being processed as a crime scene due to signs of forced entry and evidence suggesting a struggle. The presence of a blood trail near the front entrance significantly heightened fears that Nancy did not leave voluntarily.
Family members have emphasized that Nancy’s health makes her particularly vulnerable. With serious cardiac conditions and reliance on daily medications, she would have difficulty traveling far on her own. Investigators are also examining a reported ransom note sent to a local news outlet. The message allegedly included specific details about Nancy and her home, raising questions about how the writer obtained such information.
Clarification has since been provided regarding Nancy’s final confirmed movements. Tommaso Cioni reportedly dropped her off at home around 9:30 p.m. Saturday after a family dinner. While that timeline places him as the last known person to see her, Sheriff Nanos has stated publicly that the family is cooperating fully and remains actively involved in assisting investigators.
The impact of the case has extended beyond Arizona. Savannah Guthrie has temporarily stepped away from her role on “Today” to be with her family. She has also withdrawn from previously scheduled professional commitments, including coverage related to the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy. Her husband, Michael Feldman, has briefly addressed the media, stating there have been no significant updates while asking for continued prayers and privacy.
Meanwhile, the investigation continues to intensify. Federal agents have joined local authorities, signaling the seriousness of the case. Forensic teams have expanded their search to surrounding property areas, examining physical evidence and exploring every possible lead. The involvement of the FBI indicates that officials are treating the matter as a potential kidnapping crossing jurisdictional boundaries.
As the days pass, the emotional toll on the Guthrie family grows heavier. The case underscores the vulnerability of elderly individuals, particularly those with complex medical needs. With statistics showing that many abduction cases involving seniors are resolved within the first several days, hope remains urgent and fragile. For now, the focus remains on finding Nancy Guthrie and bringing clarity to a situation that has left a family—and a nation—waiting anxiously for answers.