(NewsNation) — “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie made an appeal Wednesday to whoever may be holding her missing mother, saying her family has heard reports of a ransom letter but needs proof Nancy Guthrie is alive before they can negotiate.
“We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media,” Guthrie said, along with her two siblings, in a video posted to Instagram. “As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her.”
Guthrie addressed the alleged kidnappers directly: “We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us.”
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen around 9:45 p.m. Jan. 31 when family members dropped her off at her Tucson, Arizona, home after dinner. Authorities believe she was taken against her will, possibly in the middle of the night.
Several ransom notes have been sent to media outlets, including TMZ and at least two Arizona television stations. Tucson station KGUN reported receiving a note demanding millions in bitcoin. Authorities are investigating whether the notes are authentic.
In the video, Savannah Guthrie described her mother as “a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light” who is “funny, spunky and clever.” She said Nancy Guthrie has grandchildren “that adore her and crowd around her and cover her with kisses.”
“The light is missing from our lives,” Annie Guthrie said in the video. “Nancy is our mother. We are her children.”
Guthrie emphasized her mother’s fragile health, saying she is 84 years old with a weak heart who “lives in constant pain” and is now without medication she needs to survive.
“She needs it not to suffer,” Guthrie said. “She needs it to survive.”
Speaking directly to her mother, Guthrie said: “Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God’s precious daughter, Nancy. We believe and know that even in this valley, he is with you. Everyone is looking for you, everywhere.
“We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again,” she continued. “We speak to you every moment, and we pray without ceasing, and we rejoice in advance for the day that we hold you in our arms again.”
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI are investigating Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. Police are awaiting lab results from DNA samples collected at the scene. The sheriff has not confirmed whether the samples were blood, but NewsNation documented a blood trail leading to Guthrie’s front door.
Guthrie thanked supporters for their prayers, saying, “We feel them, and we continue to believe that she feels them too.”
