Ransom Note Claims Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Nancy Is Alive as Alleged Kidnapper Demands Millions, Sets Second Deadline

A newly disclosed ransom note tied to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, claims that she is alive and aware of what is happening, while demanding millions of dollars for her return, according to law enforcement and media reports.

During a segment shared by Fox News host Sean Hannity, TMZ founder Harvey Levin revealed that the outlet received a ransom message allegedly sent by the person or persons responsible for Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. The note reportedly states that Guthrie is “scared” but safe and includes strict deadlines for payment, with no room for negotiation.

Levin said the sender appeared to have detailed knowledge of the situation and may be located near Tucson, Arizona, close to the Catalina Foothills home where Nancy Guthrie was allegedly taken late Saturday night.

According to the FBI Phoenix Field Office, the ransom note demanded payment in Bitcoin and set an initial deadline of 5 p.m. Mountain Time on Feb. 5, which has since passed. A second deadline has been set for next Monday, officials confirmed.

Special Agent Heith Janke addressed the note during a Thursday press conference, acknowledging the deadlines but declining to share further specifics.

“As with every lead, we are taking it seriously. We are in communication with the family,” Janke said. “While we advise and recommend from a law enforcement perspective, any action taken on a ransom is ultimately decided by the family.”

Janke also noted that the ransom message referenced specific items, including an Apple Watch and a floodlight, details investigators believe may be significant to the case.

Earlier this week, ransom communications demanding millions in Bitcoin were reportedly sent to multiple media outlets, including TMZ and two local news stations. One message reportedly included a threatening warning reading, “Or else.” Authorities confirmed that the email address linked to the Bitcoin account was active.

The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s safe recovery or the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Nancy Guthrie was reported missing Sunday after failing to attend church. Investigators shared a timeline indicating she was last seen around 9:48 p.m. Saturday, when family members dropped her off at her Arizona home.

At 1:47 a.m. Sunday, her doorbell camera disconnected, and motion was detected roughly 25 minutes later. At 2:28 a.m., her pacemaker app disconnected from her phone. Family members discovered she was missing later that morning, and police were called shortly after noon.

Authorities have stated they believe Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home against her will, possibly during the night. Blood found outside the residence was confirmed to belong to her.

No suspects have been publicly identified, though police say they are actively pursuing multiple leads.

Savannah Guthrie, along with her siblings Annie and Camron, released an emotional video on social media pleading for their mother’s safe return.

The investigation remains ongoing.