Savannah Guthrie’s Olympics plans halted after 'worst phone call of her life' about mother Nancy

TUCSON, ARIZONA: Savannah Guthrie’s plans to travel to Italy for NBC’s 2026 Winter Olympics coverage were abruptly halted after her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, was reported missing, prompting a large-scale search by authorities.

The disappearance drew national attention after Pima County officials described Nancy’s home as a “crime scene” and appealed to the public for information, as NBC anchors across the network shared updates and prayerful messages for the family.

Savannah Guthrie poses alongside her mother Nancy Guthrie during a production break whilst hosting NBC's 'Today Show' live from Australia at Sydney Opera House on May 4, 2015, in Sydney, Australia (Don Arnold/WireImage)

Savannah Guthrie’s mother was 'taken against her will'

Authorities said Nancy Guthrie was reported missing around noon local time on Sunday, February 1, after family members were unable to locate her inside her Tucson home and contacted emergency services.

“This story hits too close to home for our newsroom,” Tom Llamas said while leading 'NBC Nightly News' on Monday, adding, “The sheriff there tells me she was taken against her will from her bed in the middle of the night.”

Llamas urged viewers to help, sharing the Pima County Sheriff’s Department tip line, 520-351-4900, as NBC mobilized its platforms to amplify the search.

An NBC producer who knows Savannah personally said she rushed to Arizona after learning of her mother’s disappearance, calling it “the worst phone call of her life.”

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed on Monday that Savannah had been in contact with his office and that “she has a security team that’s been in touch with us throughout the night.”

Family ties to Tucson

Savannah has frequently spoken about her deep connection to Tucson, once calling herself a “daughter of the desert” during a 'Today' show segment filmed with her mother.

During that appearance, Nancy described the city as “wonderful,” adding, “Just the air, the quality of life is laid back and gentle.”

Savannah has previously shared how her mother raised the family after her father, Charles Guthrie, died of a heart attack when she was in high school. “We lost my dad suddenly and shockingly,” Savannah said in a 2023 interview. “And my mom was so strong, and set aside her own grief in many ways, just to be there and make sure we could all move forward together.”

Savannah Guthrie’s Winter Olympic Games hosting put on hold

Savannah had been scheduled to co-host NBC’s Olympics opening ceremony in Milan and anchor the first night of prime-time coverage. A source familiar with the matter said she will not host the opening ceremony telecast, though NBC has not formally announced changes.

In a statement issued on Monday, Savannah thanked law enforcement and supporters, saying, “Our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom.”

Llamas closed 'NBC Nightly News' with a direct appeal: “Savannah has shared that it was her mother who taught her the power of prayer… Savannah and her family need your prayers tonight. They also need your help.”