NEW: ‘Today’ Host’s Mother Goes Missing; FBI Launches Investigation

Federal authorities are monitoring the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s elderly mother after the NBC anchor’s family launched a public plea for help.

The “Today” show reported Monday that the FBI is “aware” of the case involving Nancy Guthrie, 84, who vanished late Saturday night from her home in Tucson, Arizona. The show led its broadcast with the breaking development.

NBC News crime analyst Tom Winter said investigators’ concern stems from what authorities encountered early in the probe.

“The FBI is also aware of this case… given the nature of what was found at the scene,” Winter said.

“That’s what has got them so concerned.”

Winter said investigators are keeping some information confidential to avoid compromising the search.

“We are withholding some details, as we would do with any investigation, to make sure the investigation could go forward without us interfering in it,” he said.

Savannah Guthrie, 54, was absent from the show Monday morning but shared a statement through “Today.”

“I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers, and messages of support. Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom,” she said.

“We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case and encourage anyone, anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s office at 520-351-4900.”

Authorities said Nancy Guthrie was last seen around 9:45 p.m. MST Saturday in Tucson’s Catalina Foothills neighborhood, where she lives in a $1.1 million home.

“Today” reported that U.S. Customs and Border Protection has joined local deputies in the search, noting the area’s proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Sheriff’s deputies have deployed drones and an aircraft as part of the ongoing effort. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators are still treating the case as a search-and-rescue operation but have not ruled out foul play.

Officials said there were no indications Nancy Guthrie was suffering from cognitive impairment at the time she disappeared.

Co-host Craig Melvin told viewers the case struck a personal nerve inside the newsroom.

“This is very concerning to us,” Melvin said. “We don’t typically get involved at a scene like this, but it’s very concerning.”

Melvin described the disappearance as “deeply personal” for the show’s hosts and staff as the search continues.

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