Savannah Guthrie, the 54-year-old anchor of NBC’s “Today” show, delivered an emotional plea to viewers Tuesday as she confronted a devastating new twist in the search for her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie.
Fighting back tears alongside her co-hosts, Guthrie acknowledged the “unusual and unprecedented” position of anchoring a news program that covers her own family tragedy. She refused to comment directly on reports that a second ransom note sent to media outlets claimed the 84-year-old had died. Instead, she turned her focus to the public.
“I can’t pretend I’m not here, and since I am, I wanted to just take the opportunity to ask people, really to beg people, to come forward,” Guthrie said, her voice cracking. “Somebody knows something. This is a news story today that is on your radar, but this is the life that my sister lives, that I live, that my brother lives, that our extended families live, that our children live every day, and we are in agony. We cannot be at peace.”
The segment came after NBC News correspondent Liz Kreutz reported that a second ransom note, previously sent to media outlets, “indicated that Nancy had died.” ABC News and CBS News confirmed the same on June 22, citing unnamed sources. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, working with the FBI, continues to investigate the case.
Guthrie, who has anchored the show since returning in early April after initially stepping away in February, made a direct appeal to anyone with information.
“No matter how much I try to come out here every day and smile and find that joy – and I will, I promise I will – this is a moment to tell you that we need your help,” she said. “We’re begging for your help. Please, if you’re watching, no matter how small, the reward is there. You can tell us. It can be anonymous. Please, do the right thing, for us, for our family, for our children. We love our mom and we’ll never stop looking for her. Never.”
Nancy Guthrie has been missing since February 1, when authorities say she was taken from her home in Arizona against her will. The family has offered a $1 million reward for information leading to her safe return.
Co-host Craig Melvin praised Guthrie’s “bravery and courage,” calling her daily performance “nothing short of remarkable.” She was joined at the desk by Al Roker, Carson Daly, and Jenna Bush Hager, all wearing black in a show of solidarity.
Earlier this month, Guthrie opened up to Hager about the toll the ordeal has taken. “I know maybe people wonder, ‘What’s going on? How is she able to do that job? Is she not thinking about it? Did she forget?’ No. Never,” she said. “I cry every morning on the way to work, and I cry every morning on the way home.”
