Savannah Guthrie was set to fly to Italy for NBC’s coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Instead, she found herself in Tucson, Arizona, searching for her 84-year-old mother, Nancy. Her mother’s disappearance became a big news story, prompting police to treat her home as a “crime scene.” They asked the public for help, intensifying the search.
NBC showed its support, sharing contact details for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department across different media platforms. Tom Llamas, an anchor, noted how close to home this situation hit for the network. He reported, “The sheriff says she was taken against her will from her bed at night. Our thoughts are with Savannah and her family.”
Savannah is a seasoned host at NBC, having joined the “Today” show back in 2011 and quickly moving up the ranks. She was also set to anchor NBC’s Olympics coverage, a significant role given that the usual anchor would be unavailable due to the Super Bowl.
Just before this crisis, Savannah enjoyed time with her family. But everything changed when she received the distressing news about her mother. An NBC producer described that call as “the worst phone call of her life.”
Family members had searched Nancy’s home but, finding no trace of her, they reported her missing to the police around noon on Sunday. Savannah quickly made arrangements to travel to Tucson, staying in touch with law enforcement.
Authorities revealed they were working closely with Savannah and her security team. Savannah has deep ties to Tucson, often sharing memories of her mother on the “Today” show. Nancy once described the city’s charm, calling it “wonderful,” and shared her lighthearted moments, like watching javelinas roam around.
Savannah’s family background adds a poignant layer to this story. Born in Australia in 1971, her family moved to Arizona when she was young. Tragically, her father passed away just as she was starting her senior year of high school. Reflecting on her past, Savannah spoke about her mother’s strength during those tough times.
In the wake of Nancy’s disappearance, Savannah’s family thanked law enforcement and emphasized their hope for her safe return. Meanwhile, plans for the Olympics have been put on hold as the search continues.
NBC representatives have not commented on any changes to the broadcast schedule, but sources indicate that Savannah will likely not host the opening ceremony. Across the network, prayers and support have poured in for the Guthrie family, highlighting their resilience and the close community they share.
This incident highlights the very real dangers many face and how quickly life can change. It also sheds light on the strength of familial bonds, especially in times of adversity. If you’re interested in more about the safety of elderly individuals, you can find resources on the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s website.
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