Arizona Anchor Reveals Credible Ransom Note for Nancy Guthrie, Mother of Today Show Host

A local TV news anchor in Arizona has revealed new details about a possible ransom note for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie. Mary Coleman, a KOLD news anchor, said the note sent to her station contained 'a lot of information that only someone holding Nancy for ransom would know.'

Coleman told CNN that the document included 'very sensitive details' about Nancy's captivity, such as a specific dollar amount, a deadline, and other specifics that could only be known by an abductor. 'That definitely raised some red flags,' she said, emphasizing that the information was too precise to be a hoax.

The ransom note was reportedly sent to KOLD via email. Coleman's team immediately forwarded it to the Pima County Sheriff's Department, which is now investigating its legitimacy. A detective from the sheriff's office later contacted KOLD, requesting additional details to trace the note's origin, including searching for an IP address.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen by her family on Saturday night at her home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood near Tucson, Arizona. She was reported missing the following afternoon. Authorities believe she was taken from her home against her will. Signs of forced entry were found at the property during a search by sheriff's deputies.

The Guthrie family released an emotional video plea on Instagram, addressing both Nancy and her abductor. Savannah Guthrie, visibly distraught, said the family would require proof of her mother's survival before considering any ransom demands. 'Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman,' she said, her voice breaking.

Nancy, who suffers from high blood pressure, a pacemaker, and heart issues, is described by her daughter as a 'kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light.' Her son Camron and sister Annie also spoke in the video, urging her to return home. 'Mamma, if you're listening, we need you to come home,' Annie said.

At least three media outlets, including TMZ, have received similar ransom notes demanding millions in Bitcoin for Nancy's release. However, it is unclear whether these notes are genuine. The sheriff's department has not confirmed or denied their authenticity but said it is taking all tips and reports seriously.

Nancy lives in a $1 million home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood, a wealthy area in Tucson. Her daughter Savannah, one of the most recognizable faces on the Today show, earns an estimated $8 million annually. Despite her wealth, the Guthrie family has not commented publicly on the ransom demands.

Authorities have conducted multiple searches of Nancy's home, including a follow-up investigation after initial searches earlier in the week. Sheriff's deputies have emphasized that Nancy, who has limited mobility and requires daily medication, is unlikely to have left her home on her own. The investigation continues as law enforcement works to determine the fate of the 84-year-old woman.

Coleman reiterated that the ransom note's specificity—such as details about Nancy's captivity—has led her and her team to believe the document is credible. 'It's not just random information,' she said. 'It's things that only someone in contact with Nancy would know.' The sheriff's department has not ruled out the possibility of a hoax but is treating the note as a serious lead in the search for Nancy Guthrie.

As the investigation progresses, the Guthrie family remains hopeful. Savannah and her siblings continue to appeal for help, urging anyone with information to come forward. 'People are looking for her,' Savannah said, her voice trembling. 'We miss you, Mommy.'