The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has grown even more chilling with the family’s discovery of an unsent note left next to her bed—a nine-word message she never had the chance to deliver to anyone. The final line was hastily crossed out, sending chills through those who have seen it and intensifying the mystery surrounding her apparent abduction.
The note was found by family members during the ongoing investigation at Nancy’s home in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson, Arizona. While authorities have not publicly released the exact wording of the nine-word message, sources close to the family describe it as deeply personal and ominous, with the crossed-out final line suggesting Nancy may have reconsidered or felt urgency in what she was writing. The note’s placement beside her bed—where she was likely taken from—implies it could have been written in the moments or hours before the incident, perhaps as a warning, a goodbye, or a clue to her state of mind. Investigators are examining the handwriting, paper, and any forensic traces (such as fingerprints or DNA) for leads, but no details about its content have been officially confirmed beyond the family’s disclosure.
This revelation adds to a cascade of unsettling discoveries in the case:
Nancy’s prior warnings: A daughter recently shared that Nancy had confided fears about a specific man, saying, “If he comes back, Mom, you won’t have time to call anyone.” This aligns with earlier reports of Nancy being terrified by an old neighbor’s return after 11 years (his name allegedly noted in a notebook the night before she vanished) and a 12-second audio clip she recorded days prior mentioning “someone who used to have a key to the house.” The unsent note may tie into these concerns, potentially referencing the same individual or threat.
Call history: A strange, unidentified number appeared exactly three times in the early morning hours of February 1, 2026—around the suspected time of the abduction (Ring camera disconnected at 1:47 a.m., motion detected at 2:12 a.m., pacemaker app disconnected at 2:28 a.m.).
Physical evidence: Blood droplets on the front porch confirmed as Nancy’s via DNA testing; her Ring doorbell camera removed (mount left behind); no forced entry definitively confirmed in latest updates; personal items (cellphone, wallet, keys, medications) left behind; car still in driveway.
Suspicious sightings: An unmarked white van parked nearby in the days prior, reported by neighbor Brett McIntire.
Nancy was last seen around 9:30–9:45 p.m. on January 31, 2026, when family members dropped her off after dinner. She failed to attend church the next morning, leading to her being reported missing around noon on February 1. Authorities believe she was taken against her will from her home in what Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos calls a “grave” situation. No suspects or persons of interest have been named, and the investigation—now involving the FBI—remains wide open.
The case has been further muddied by purported ransom notes sent to media outlets (TMZ, KOLD in Tucson, and others). These unverified emails demanded millions in Bitcoin, included deadlines (one passed February 5 without follow-up, another reportedly set for February 9), and referenced specific home details (e.g., clothing Nancy wore, an Apple Watch, a floodlight). The FBI is analyzing them for authenticity, has arrested at least one alleged imposter, and warns against hoaxes. A $50,000 reward is offered for information leading to Nancy’s recovery or arrests. The family has pleaded for direct contact but insists on undeniable proof of life, given Nancy’s heart condition (pacemaker-dependent) and lack of medications.
In emotional videos posted on Instagram, Savannah, sister Annie, and brother Camron (Charles Cameron) have spoken tearfully to any captor: “We are ready to talk… We want to hear from you.” They describe Nancy as a “kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light”—funny, spunky, clever, and strong in her faith. They address her directly: “Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God’s precious daughter.”
The affluent, low-crime Catalina Foothills neighborhood remains on high alert, with neighbors installing new security and volunteers joining searches. Extensive efforts continue with over 100 detectives, K-9 units, helicopters, and ground teams.
The unsent bedside note—with its crossed-out line—stands as a heartbreaking, personal artifact in a case full of dread. Did Nancy sense danger approaching? Was the crossed-out portion a name, a plea, or a final warning? As hope endures that she remains “still out there,” every detail—from the note to the mysterious calls, the key holder, and the ransom demands—may hold the key to bringing her home safely.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Pima County Sheriff’s tip line anonymously.
