The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, stretched into its fourth week on Thursday with authorities preparing to return her Tucson-area home to the family following a final FBI evidence sweep.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen entering her residence on Jan. 31, 2026, and was reported missing Feb. 1 after failing to appear at church. Investigators quickly classified the case as an abduction, citing evidence that she was taken against her will. Multiple ransom notes have surfaced, though details remain limited to protect the investigation.

Savannah Guthrie twitter
Savannah Guthrie

In a emotional video posted to Instagram on Tuesday, Savannah Guthrie announced that her family is offering up to $1 million for information leading to her mother's safe return — or recovery if the worst is feared.

"We are desperate to find her," Savannah Guthrie said in the video. "We also know that she may be lost. She may already be gone." The plea highlighted the family's anguish after more than three weeks without contact.

The reward announcement triggered an immediate surge in tips. A senior official familiar with the probe told NBC News that the FBI tip line has received over 23,000 calls since the disappearance began, including more than 750 in the first 12 hours after the reward was publicized. Authorities describe some as credible, though no arrests or named suspects have been announced publicly.

On Wednesday, a flurry of FBI activity at the Guthrie home signaled a final forensic sweep before releasing the property back to the family. Sources told multiple outlets, including NBC News, NewsNation and the New York Post, that agents collected additional evidence, including mixed DNA samples noted earlier in the investigation. The return of the home marks a procedural shift as the case enters a prolonged phase without major breakthroughs.

Pima County authorities and the FBI have released limited details, including doorbell footage showing a masked individual with a backpack near the property, possibly surveilling it beforehand. Volunteers have assisted in searches, discovering items like a backpack in a nearby storm drain, but connections to the case remain unconfirmed.

Online speculation has swirled, with some amateur investigators focusing on individuals peripherally connected to the family, including a bandmate of one son-in-law. Dominic Evans, identified in reports as a schoolteacher, publicly denied any involvement in interviews, telling The New York Times that false accusations stem from "clickbait" and misinformation.

A recent briefing featured a county sheriff addressing "new developments," though specifics were not disclosed publicly. Retired FBI agents consulted by media outlets have noted the challenges in abduction cases involving elderly victims, emphasizing the importance of tips while cautioning against premature conclusions.

Savannah Guthrie has used her platform sparingly but powerfully, urging the public to come forward. The family has expressed willingness to pay a ransom if demanded, though no verified contact from abductors has been confirmed in recent reports.

The case has drawn national attention due to Savannah Guthrie's prominence as a journalist and co-anchor. Colleagues and viewers have rallied in support, amplifying calls for information.

As Day 26 dawned, optimism remained tempered by the passage of time. Investigators continue canvassing leads, analyzing evidence and following up on the influx of tips spurred by the reward. The FBI maintains an active tip line, and authorities urge anyone with information — no matter how small — to contact them.

The Guthrie family continues to hold out hope amid the uncertainty. "We just want her home," Savannah Guthrie has repeatedly emphasized.