Katie Couric is no stranger to being in the spotlight during difficult times. But even she can’t imagine what current Today host Savannah Guthrie is going through as authorities continue to search for her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie. Guthrie was last seen on January 31st.
“This is a very unique and unique situation for Savannah,” Couric told USA TODAY. “My heart broke into a million pieces for her.”
In 1998, Couric lost her husband, Jay Monahan, to colon cancer. At the time, she was anchoring the “Today” show and had to take care of her two young daughters. Ms. Couric continues to be a leading advocate for early colorectal cancer screening because Ms. Monaghan’s death has had such a profound impact on her and her family.
Couric posted on Instagram on February 3, “I can’t stop thinking and worrying about Nancy Guthrie, Savannah, her siblings, and their children. There is so much sadness and fear in the world and so much cruelty.” “I send my love and support to them and all of you, and I pray for the safety and well-being of this wonderful mother and grandmother. And, frankly, for an entire country that seems lost right now.”
Couric told USA TODAY that she felt her situation was very similar to that experienced by “Today” host Sheinelle Jones when she lost her husband to glioblastoma in May 2025.
“She was trying to take care of her husband and deal with his devastating diagnosis and his illness while also continuing to work on the Today show and taking care of her children,” Couric said. “She and I have talked a lot about it. I’ve been trying to be helpful.”
But what Guthrie is currently experiencing is “very unusual and very heartbreaking,” Couric said.
“I can’t imagine the pain she and her family went through,” Couric said.
Law enforcement is asking anyone with information about Nancy Guthrie’s case to contact them at 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Pima County Sheriff’s Office tips.fbi.gov. (520-351-4900) or 88-CRIME.
Madeline Mitchell’s role covering women and the care economy for USA TODAY is supported by a partnership with Pivotal and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editorial input.
Contact Madeline at: memitchell@usatoday.com and @maddiemitch_ At X.
