A Kentucky girl at heart: what to know about Nancy Guthrie's ties to the commonwealth

Nancy grew up in Fort Wright, a small city in Kenton County just south of Cincinnati.

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By now, you've likely seen the headlines. Nancy Guthrie- the 84-year-old mother of Today Show anchor Savannah Guthrie- has been missing from her home outside Tucson, Arizona since the early morning hours of February 1st. Investigators believe she was taken in the middle of the night and did not leave on her own.

But what many people may not realize is that Nancy Guthrie is one of ours. She's a Kentucky girl- born and raised.

Nancy grew up in Fort Wright, a small city in Kenton County just south of Cincinnati. She attended elementary school at St. Agnes before enrolling at Notre Dame Academy, the well-known Catholic all-girls school in nearby Park Hills, graduating with the Class of 1959.

This week, the Notre Dame Academy Alumnae Facebook page posted a prayer request that has since been shared more than 80 times:

"We ask our community to join us in prayer for the safety and protection of our 1959 alumna, Nancy Long Guthrie, who is missing in Arizona. May God surround her and her family with His presence, grant wisdom to those working on her behalf, and bring reassurance in this time of uncertainty. We trust in His care and lift Nancy up in prayer."

It's clear the Northern Kentucky community hasn't forgotten her- even though Nancy has called Arizona home for decades.

After graduating from Notre Dame Academy, Nancy headed to Lexington, where she attended the University of Kentucky.

And in true Kentucky fashion, her love story started with basketball. According to Savannah, Nancy met her late husband Charles Guthrie on a blind date to a UK basketball game. During a tribute on the Today Show, Savannah shared one of her favorite details from her parents' story: "My mom said my dad walked up to the door of her sorority and she looked at him and said, 'That's the man I'm going to marry.'"

What we know about her disappearance

Nancy was reported missing on Sunday, February 1st, after she failed to show up for church that morning. A fellow church member called her family, who went to check on her and found concerning evidence at the home. They called 911 around noon.

Nancy was last seen the night before- Saturday, January 31st- by family members at her home in the Catalina Foothills area outside Tucson.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said investigators believe Nancy was taken from her home against her will. She has limited mobility and cannot walk more than 50 yards on her own. She left behind her wallet, cell phone, and vital medication that authorities say could be fatal to go without.

"She didn't walk from there. She didn't go willingly," Nanos told CBS News.

The sheriff has emphasized that Nancy is of sound mind. "This is not dementia-related," Nanos said. "She is as sharp as a tack. The family wants everybody to know this isn't somebody who just wandered off."

The FBI is assisting with the investigation, and President Trump said Wednesday he has directed all federal law enforcement to assist in the search.

Her children's emotional plea

On Wednesday evening, Nancy's three children- Savannah, her sister Annie, and their brother Camron- released an emotional video on social media directed at whoever may have taken their mother.

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

They also had a message for Nancy herself: "Everyone is looking for you, Mommy, everywhere. We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again."

Multiple media outlets have reported receiving what appear to be ransom notes demanding millions of dollars in bitcoin for Nancy's safe return. Investigators have said they are taking all tips and leads seriously.

No suspects or persons of interest have been identified at this time.

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