The subject of Netflix’s recent documentary Kidnapped reached out to the TODAY Show anchor, who is in Arizona while search for her mom continues
The mysterious disappearance of TODAY anchor Savannah Guthrie’s mother Nancy Guthrie continues to grip the entire world.
The lack of crystal clear evidence pointing authorities toward the apparent kidnapper, the circumstances under which it all happened, and Savannah’s own high profile role in the morning TV world has made the case incredibly gripping. And one person with experience is offering her own take on the matter.
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Elizabeth Smart offered her own take on the Nancy Guthrie disappearance
At the age of 14, Elizabeth Smart gained nationwide attention when she was kidnapped from her home in Salt Lake City in 2002, kept captive and sexually abused repeatedly for nine months before she was discovered.
Now 38, she has spent the last two decades as an active advocate for missing persons cases and sexual assault survivors, recently also made the subject of the Netflix documentary Kidnapped: Elizabeth Smart. As the search for Nancy enters its 26th day, Elizabeth is sharing her own perspective on the case.
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“But I just always feel like we can’t give up because if that was the mentality around my case, then I wouldn’t be here today.”
“I know what law enforcement will tell you if a person disappears and they’re not found within the first 24 to 48 hours – the chances of their survival drop down to almost zero percent,” she said during an appearance on the latest episode of the podcast Ladygang. “It’s almost like they’re dead.”
“But I just always feel like we can’t give up because if that was the mentality around my case, then I wouldn’t be here today,” she added. While she acknowledged that her being found was a rare outcome, it’s still no reason to give up hope, as Nancy can still be found and reunited with her family.
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“I did come back and there are other victims who do come back. So, even though every passing day feels like we’re losing more and more hope, or it seems like it’s less likely that she’ll be found, I think we just have to remind ourselves that we can never give up.”
Speaking from her own experience, she encouraged people to be aware of what’s going on around them and not hesitate to contact authorities if they know or suspect something. “Someone does know something,” she added.
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The mom of NBC news anchor Savannah Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, 2026
“Don’t hesitate. Don’t think that. Just pick up the phone, call law enforcement, tell them what you know, tell them what you see.”
Elizabeth expressed the same sentiment when previously speaking with Deseret News about the Nancy Guthrie disappearance case. “Keep the story alive. Keep your missing loved ones’ faces out there.”
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“If my story wasn’t as big as it was, if my parents didn’t do everything in their power to keep my face out there, would I have been recognized?”
“And I mean, do call on the public. Because again, if my story wasn’t as big as it was, if my parents didn’t do everything in their power to keep my face out there, would I have been recognized? Would I have come back alive? It’s kind of hard to say. I think there’s a good chance that I could be dead today.”
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