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Today Show anchor Savannah Guthrie has spoken out after her mother was reported missing from her Arizona home, as police confirmed a major escalation in the investigation. The 54-year-old presenter was absent from her usual seat at Studio 1A on Monday morning (Monday, February 2), with colleagues stepping in to address what they described as a "deeply personal" situation unfolding behind the scenes. During the broadcast, Craig Melvin told viewers that Savannah's mother, Nancy Guthrie, had been reported missing before reading a statement issued by the star on behalf of her family.

"On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers, and messages of support," the statement said. "Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom." Savannah was replaced on the programme by Sheinelle Jones, who joined Craig in outlining what was known so far about the disappearance of Nancy, 84, from her home in Arizona. The Pima County Sheriff's Department confirmed that a ground search was ongoing as of 8.30am local time, with multiple agencies involved.

Officers said Border Patrol teams were assisting, providing specialist search dogs to help comb the area.

"We also have Border Patrol helping with the search, as they have search dogs, so they are helping us that way," the department said.

Police confirmed that Nancy is being treated as a vulnerable adult due to her age. While officers stressed she does not suffer from any cognitive issues, they said she does have mobility problems and requires daily medication.

Officers told reporters that what they found at Nancy's home had raised a serious alarm.

"The scene gave us grave concern," one officer said. "We don't typically get the sheriff out at a scene like this, but it's very concerning."

That concern was echoed by Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, who confirmed homicide detectives had been drafted in and that investigators now believe a crime may have taken place.

"We believe now, after we process that crime scene, that we do, in fact, have a crime scene, that we do, in fact, have a crime, and we're asking the community's help," he said during a press conference.

Nanos added that officers do not believe Nancy left her home of her own accord, and foul play has not been ruled out.

According to authorities, Nancy was last seen between 9.30pm and 9.45pm on Saturday night at her property in the Catalina Foothills area, just outside Tucson. A family member contacted 911 around noon on Sunday to report her missing.

The search has involved both ground teams and aircraft, with officers urging anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff's Department.

Nancy is described as being 5ft 5in tall, weighing around 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes.

Back on Today, Savannah's colleagues made a point of sending their support. At the end of the early segment, Sheinelle turned to the camera and said: "Sending our love, my friend."

Later in the programme, Jenna Bush Hager addressed viewers with a visibly emotional update.

"We are thinking of our dearest, dearest Savannah and her whole family this morning," Jenna said, adding that Nancy relies on medication she needs to take daily.