Savannah Guthrie tells mother's possible kidnapper 'we will pay' in new video

NBC "TODAY" show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie released a poignant video message on Instagram on Saturday, February 1, 2025, directed at the individuals believed to have kidnapped her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, in an effort to secure her safe release. Appearing alongside her siblings, Camron and Annie Guthrie, the prominent journalist spoke directly to the camera to acknowledge that the family had received a communication from those holding their mother. The public appeal comes after days of growing concern regarding the elder Guthrie's whereabouts and safety, marking a drastic shift in the family's strategy to resolve the crisis. In the brief but heavy-hearted video, Guthrie emphasized the family's willingness to comply with financial demands, stating clearly that they would "pay" for her mother's safe return. While the specific details of the initial message received by the family have not been disclosed to the public, Guthrie’s statement—"We received your message and we understand"—indicates that a negotiation or ransom demand has been initiated. The siblings appeared united and solemn, underscoring the gravity of the situation as they reach out to the abductors through social media channels. Law enforcement involvement has not been detailed in this specific public outreach, though high-profile cases of this nature typically involve coordination with federal authorities given the status of the victim's daughter. Nancy Guthrie, who has frequently been mentioned with affection on the "TODAY" show, is a well-known figure to the program's millions of viewers. The move to use Instagram as a communication platform suggests the family is prioritizing direct and immediate contact with the captors to ensure that no misunderstandings occur during the sensitive exchange process.