Nancy Guthrie’s suspected kidnappers made chilling threat in ransom note as search enters 10th day

By
Sophia Melissa Caraballo Piñeiro

Published Feb. 10, 2026, 8:25 a.m. ET

The chilling threat Nancy Guthrie’s suspected kidnappers made in their ransom note has been revealed as the search for Savannah Guthrie’s mom enters its 10th day.

Speaking to CNN’s Erin Burnett on Monday, TMZ founder Harvey Levin discussed the second ransom deadline passing in the afternoon.

“I’ll read you one line from the ransom note we received,” the 75-year-old told the broadcaster. “And they say, ‘It is in the best interest of everyone to have this completed as soon as possible.’

“This was way back when the first ransom note was issued.”

Savannah Guthrie and her mother Nancy Guthrie in the TODAY show studio.
Nancy Guthrie’s suspected kidnappers made a chilling threat in their ransom note. Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images

Savannah Guthrie embracing Nancy Guthrie in a room with a baby photo on the wall.
The search for Savannah Guthrie’s mom has entered its 10th day. Facebook/Savanah Guthrie

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Earlier this month, TMZ — as well as several local outlets in Tucson, Ariz. where Nancy resides — reported receiving the alleged first ransom note in connection to the 84-year-old’s disappearance from her home.

Nancy was last seen on Jan. 31, when she was dropped off at home after having dinner with her daughter Annie and son-in-law Tommaso Cioni.

She was reported missing the following day after failing to arrive at her friend’s home to watch a virtual church service. Per the police, she was most likely snatched from her bed while sleeping.

Savannah Guthrie and her mom pose with an umbrella.
“I’ll read you one line from the ransom note we received,” TMZ founder Harvey Levin said in CNN. “And they say, ‘It is in the best interest of everyone to have this completed as soon as possible.’ / SplashNews.com

Nancy Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie's mother, seated at a table with mahjong tiles and a game card.
Nancy was last seen on Jan. 31. Courtesy NBC Universal

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During a press conference, FBI Phoenix special agent Heith Janke confirmed the existence of a note with two deadlines. The first deadline was set for Feb. 5 at 5 p.m. local time, while the second was set for Feb. 9 at 5 p.m.

Tucson television station KGUN, which received one of the ransom notes, said the potential kidnappers demanded $6 million in bitcoin.

After the second deadline had passed, FBI officials said in a statement that they are “not aware of any continued communication between the Guthrie family and suspected kidnappers.”

They also noted that they have not “identified a suspect or person of interest in this case at this time.”

Savannah Guthrie and her siblings, Annie and Cameron Guthrie, make a statement regarding their mother Nancy's disappearance.
She was reported missing Feb. 1 after she failed to show up to watch church services at her friend’s home. Instagram / Savannah Guthrie

U.S. journalist Savannah Guthrie speaking in a video message.
Savannah has been pleading for her mom’s safety. Savannah Guthrie via REUTERS

Savannah — who has been absent from the “Today” show for the last week as she remains in Tucson — released another emotional video where she wanted to “share a few thoughts as [they] enter into another week of this nightmare.”

The TV personality thanked everyone for the “love” and “prayers” she says have been felt by herself, her brother, Camron, her sister, Annie, and even her mom.

“We believe that somehow, someway, she is feeling these prayers and that God is lifting her even in this moment and in this darkest place,” the journalist continued.

Nancy Guthrie smiling while wearing a pink scarf with flowers and a dark jacket.
The suspected kidnappers are asking for $6 million in bitcoin. Instagram/savannahguthrie

Savannah Guthrie with Nancy Guthrie.
Savannah and her siblings said they would pay for the ransom. Facebook/Savanah Guthrie

“We believe our mom is still out there. We need your help. Law enforcement is working tirelessly around the clock trying to bring her home — trying to find her.”

“She was taken, and we don’t know where, and we need your help,” she added.

Savannah begged the public “not just for [their] prayers” but to be on the lookout for anything suspicious, even if they are far away from Tucson, where the investigation is taking place.

“We are at an hour of desperation, and we need your help,” she concluded.

Savannah Guthrie and her mother Nancy smiling and looking at each other.
“We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us and we will pay,” Savannah told the suspected kidnappers. AP

Savannah Guthrie seated on a sofa on the Today show set.
The ransom remains unpaid as of Monday. Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images

Over the weekend, Savannah and her siblings shared in a video that they agreed to pay the ransom after local news outlet KOLD received a second alleged message in connection with Nancy’s disappearance.

“We received your message and we understand,” the “Today” show co-host said Saturday.

“We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us and we will pay.”

However, the ransom remains unpaid as of Monday.