The search for Nancy Guthrie, 84, mother of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie, has entered a critical phase. Nancy went missing from her home in the Catalina Foothills, north of Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday, January 31, and authorities now fear she may have been forcibly taken.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that investigators are treating her disappearance as a possible kidnapping or abduction, emphasizing that Nancy did not leave her home voluntarily. “It is a race against time, and I hope that window hasn’t closed,” Nanos told NBC News.

Nancy, who has limited mobility but is mentally sharp, was reported missing by her family after failing to return home following dinner the night before. Sheriff Nanos stressed that dementia or cognitive issues are not factors in her disappearance.

Authorities are investigating blood discovered inside her home, alongside evidence of forced entry, though it has not yet been confirmed whose blood it is or why she may have been targeted. Investigators are urging anyone with information to come forward immediately. “Just call us. Let her go. The family will tell you, there’s no questions asked here,” Nanos said.

Savannah Guthrie, who called her mother her “best friend,” was absent from the Today show on Monday. She shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, asking the public to pray:

“We believe in prayer. We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope. We believe in goodness. We believe in humanity. Above all, we believe in Him. Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. Raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment. We need you. Bring her home.”

The community, law enforcement, and Savannah’s family remain deeply concerned, and every lead is being pursued.

If you have any information about Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts, contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department immediately at 520-351-4900. Your tip could make a difference—help bring her home safely.