US TV host appeals to mother's kidnapper to 'reach out'

Popular US morning news host Savannah Guthrie has pleaded for contact from anyone who might be ‍holding her elderly mother, who vanished from her Arizona home several days ​ago.

"We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated," the co-host of NBC's Today show said ‌in a ​video message posted to Instagram.

"We need to ⁠know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us," she said, reading from a prepared statement.

The emotional appeal came three ‍days after Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing from her home near Tucson by family members in what investigators said they believed was an abduction.

Savannah Guthrie appeared with her brother and sister in the video.

The elder Guthrie was last seen on January 31 when she ‍was dropped off at her home by relatives after having dinner with them, and she was reported missing the following afternoon, authorities ​have ​said.

Pima County Sheriff Chris ​Nanos has said the elder Guthrie had ​limited mobility and could not have left her home unassisted, and her disappearance was being treated by investigators as a kidnapping.

Among other concerns for Nancy Guthrie's well-being was that her health was dependent on daily medication, according to Nanos.

Multiple media organisations reported receiving purported ransom notes on Tuesday, US time, which they handed over to investigators.

The sheriff's department has said it's taking the notes and other tips seriously but declined to comment further.

Savannah Guthrie, 54, has been co-host of Today since 2012.

For a third day, Today opened with Guthrie's disappearance, but Savannah Guthrie was not at the anchor's desk.

NBC Sports said she will not be covering the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics "as she focuses on being with her family during this difficult time".

The White House said US President Donald Trump called and spoke with Savannah Guthrie on Wednesday.

"I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family's, and Local Law Enforcement's, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.

"We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely."

With AP