Nancy Guthrie Ransom Note? TMZ Says It Demanded Bitcoin 'Or Else'

Is there a ransom note in the possible kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie's mom?

TMZ is reporting that the entertainment site has received an alleged ransom note in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance.

The entertainment site's revelation came after the Pima County Sheriff, Chris Nanos, twice refused to answer whether authorities had received a ransom request or "demands" in the mysterious disappearance of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie's mom.

According to TMZ, the note the site received demands bitcoin "or else." It's not clear whether the note is authentic or really from any kidnappers who might have taken Guthrie, 84, from her Arizona home on January 31. However, TMZ reported that the company sent the note to the Pima County Sheriff, who revealed in an earlier news conference that the FBI is now involved in the strange disappearance.

What Did the Alleged Nancy Guthrie Ransom Note Say?

According to TMZ, the site received the alleged ransom note on the morning of February 3, 2026. What did the ransom note say? TMZ has not shared the complete note.

"The note, which was sent to us Tuesday morning, demands a specific substantial amount of Bitcoin … the amount is in the millions, and the note demands the cryptocurrency be sent to a specific Bitcoin address," TMZ wrote, adding that it was able to verify that the Bitcoin address really exists.

The note is "demanding payment for the release of Nancy Guthrie," TMZ reported, adding that the note presents a timeline and indicates the payment must be made "or else."

The note "also describes another item the sender says was damaged at her Tucson-area home."

What Have Authorities Said About Any Ransom Demands?

Authorities have not verified that any ransom demands are legitimate, but they haven't ruled it out, either.

“We do believe Nancy was taken from her home against her will,” Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said in the February 3 news conference. Asked whether there were “any demands made by kidnappers,” Nanos responded, “We have all kinds of investigative leads we are working on.”

“You were asked if there was any ransom, and you didn’t say no. You said you are following all leads.. does that mean that a ransom has come in?” a reporter asked.

Nanos responded: “We are following all leads. We have hundreds of leads…Yeah, I’m not going to get into all of that. We have a team designated to deal with all our leads. They are looking into all of that. We are sharing all our leads with the FBI. They are helping us evaluate all of those leads.”

He declined to answer many questions during that news conference, including the specific timeline, any evidence inside the home, and whether authorities believe Nancy Guthrie's possible abduction was targeted or random. The sheriff did make it clear, as he did in a previous news conference, though, that authorities are considering the Nancy Guthrie home a "crime scene," and they believe she did not leave on her own volition.

You can read more details from the sheriff's February 3 press conference below. Nancy Guthrie, a widow, has three kids, Savannah, Annie Guthrie, and Charles Camron Guthrie. Annie Guthrie last saw Nancy, dropping her mom off at home after dinner on the evening of January 31, US Weekly reported. She was gone by morning.

Related: Nancy Guthrie Update: Sheriff Won't Rule Out Ransom Theories