US TV host Savannah Guthrie has pleaded for the return of her mother and said the family is “ready to talk” to her captor – but asked them to provide proof she is alive.
In an emotional video message posted on social media, the NBC anchor, flanked by her siblings, said: “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. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us.”
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings Annie (L) and Cameron (R). Pic: Instagram/@savannahguthrie
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home near Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday evening. The 84-year-old was reported missing the following day after she failed to appear at church.
Investigators said they had found signs of forced entry at her home and believe she was taken against her will.
Several media organisations reported receiving apparent ransom notes earlier this week that they handed over to police. Authorities are yet to confirm if these are legitimate.
No suspect or person of interest has been identified, according to Pima County sheriff Chris Nanos.
Nancy Guthrie. Pic: Pima county sheriff’s department
Mr Nanos previously said the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, who has limited mobility and requires daily medication, was not “dementia related”.
“She’s as sharp as a tack,” he said. “The family wants everyone to know that this isn’t someone who just wandered off.”
In the video clip, a tearful Savannah Guthrie, joined by her sister Annie and brother Cameron, said: “Our mum is our heart and our home. She is 84 years old. Her health, her heart, is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive, she needs it not to suffer.
“Mummy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God’s precious daughter.”
Trump sends message of support
Shortly after the video was posted, Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: “I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family’s, and Local Law Enforcement’s, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY.
“We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY!”
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Savannah Guthrie co-hosts Today, the morning show on NBC News, the US sister network of Sky News.
She often brought her mother on as a guest. Speaking on the show in 2022 on Nancy Guthrie’s 80th birthday, she said: “She has met unthinkable challenges in her life with grit, without self-pity, with determination and always, always with unshakeable faith.
“She loves us, her family, fiercely, and her selflessness and sacrifice for us, her steadfastness and her unmovable confidence is the reason any of us grew up to do anything.”
