Updated: February 4, 2026 / 9:28 PM EST — CBS News
Friends and neighbors in Tucson gathered Wednesday night for a candlelight vigil as the search continued for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC Today co-host Savannah Guthrie. Family friend Sally Shamrell, an actress and former KVOA reporter who has known the Guthries for more than 30 years, called the situation “absolutely heart-wrenching” and said the family is deeply respected in the community.
Shamrell said Nancy and Savannah have long been positive, faithful contributors to Tucson and organized the service at St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church after seeing Savannah Guthrie’s social post asking for prayers. Savannah, along with siblings Camron and Annie Guthrie, posted a video message this week pleading for their mother’s safe return. Attendees filled the pews, placed dozens of candles at the altar, and watched a livestream of the service.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is treating Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance as a crime. Sheriff Chris Nanos said she was last seen at her Catalina Foothills home Saturday night and was reported missing when she did not attend church Sunday morning. Authorities believe she was abducted from the residence, where signs of forced entry were found. A small amount of blood discovered inside the home is being tested, law enforcement sources said.
Sheriff Nanos confirmed a ransom note was sent to a local Arizona news station after the disappearance but would not confirm the note’s accuracy or legitimacy. As of Wednesday night, investigators had not identified a suspect or person of interest.
Shamrell told CBS News she hoped the visible show of community support would let the Guthrie family know they are not alone during a dark time. Anyone with information about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance is asked to call the Pima County Sheriff’s tip line at 520-351-4900.
Jonathan Vigliotti and Pat Milton contributed to this report.