Photo Credit; Getty Images
In a heartfelt video posted on Tuesday, Feb. 24, the Today co-anchor, 54, described the anguish of not knowing her mother's whereabouts after she was reported missing on Feb. 1. Savannah said, "Every hour, every minute, every long night has been agony, worrying for her, fearing for her, aching for her, and most of all, missing her."
Acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding her mother's fate, Guthrie added, "We know she may be lost, she may already have gone home to the Lord she loves... and if that is what is to be, we will accept it. But we need to know where she is. We need her to come home."
To encourage anyone with information to come forward, the Guthrie family has raised the reward for Nancy's safe return, or an arrest in connection with her disappearance, to $1 million. Previously, the reward had been set at $100,000.
In addition, the family is donating $500,000 to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, reflecting their hope that attention on their own tragedy will support others in similar circumstances. "We are not alone in our loss," Savannah said.
Guthrie emphasized the family's enduring hope, quoting her sister Annie: "We are blowing on the embers of hope." Ending her message with an emotional plea, she urged, "Please, if you've been waiting, let this be your sign to come forward. Help us bring our beloved mom home so we can celebrate either a miraculous reunion or the beautiful life she has lived. Be the light in the dark."
The Pima County Sheriff's Department continues to investigate, reviewing surveillance footage of a masked suspect and conducting DNA analysis on recovered evidence. Authorities have described the person of interest as a male, approximately 5'9"-5'10" tall, wearing a black backpack.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on Jan. 31 after dinner with family. Law enforcement encourages anyone with tips to contact the Pima County Sheriff's Department, the FBI, or the anonymous tip line 88-CRIME.
