Jenna Bush Hager got emotional while reflecting on a candlelight vigil held for Savannah Guthrie’s missing mom, Nancy Guthrie.
“[The vigil] was so beautiful at Good Shepherd Church in New York City,” Bush Hager, 44, said during the Thursday, February 5, episode of Today With Jenna & Sheinelle. “Thousands joined online, and people were there in person as well. It is our home church, it’s a church that [Savannah and I] both have been to for a decade since our babies were babies.”
Bush Hager added that the “music and words” were “so comforting” and noted that former Today cohost Hoda Kotb attended “in person.” The NBC personality also recalled a tender moment between herself and daughter Mila, 13.
“As I was watching with Mila, who is old enough to know what’s happening, and my husband [Henry Chase Hager], I just had my arm around my little girl, and she kept saying, ‘It’s gonna be OK, Mommy,’” Bush Hager said through tears.
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Nancy, 84, was reported missing in Arizona on Sunday, February 1, after a friend from church noticed that she didn’t come to the service that morning. The friend contacted one of Nancy’s children, who checked on her home and realized she was gone. Nancy was last seen on Saturday, January 31.
Amid the search for Nancy, whom police believe was abducted from her home, a candlelight vigil was held in Tucson, Arizona, on Wednesday, February 4. More than 500 people, including locals and friends of the Guthrie family, attended the ceremony at St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church, which was held alongside the vigil in NYC.
Bush Hager and cohost Sheinelle Jones also discussed Savannah’s video statement alongside siblings Annie and Camron, in which they pleaded for their mother’s safe return.
“I mean, I have to tell you, it was hard to watch,” Jones, 47, said of the video.
Bush Hager added, “Also, I mean, Savannah writing that. The fact that they could write these beautiful words about their mother, who they love so much, is just remarkable. And none of us here are stopping looking for her, doing anything we can, praying for her. I know that in hard times, sometimes it’s easy to lose hope, but I think prayer and hope is all that we have.”
In their video statement on Wednesday, Savannah, 54, Annie, 56, and Camron, 61, thanked fans for their prayers for Nancy.
“Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light,” Savannah said. “She is funny, spunky and clever. She has grandchildren who adore her and crowd around her and cover her with kisses. She loves fun and adventure. She is a devoted friend. She is full of kindness and knowledge. Talk to her and you’ll see.”
Annie continued, “Nancy is our mother, we are her children. She is our beacon. She holds fast to joy and all of life’s circumstances. She chooses joy day after day despite having already passed through great trials of pain and grief. We are always going to be merely human. Just normal human people who need our mom. Mama, if you’re listening we need you to come home. We miss you.”
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Savannah also addressed an alleged ransom note that was sent to TMZ and local news outlets earlier this week.
“We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media,” she said. “As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us.”
Savannah concluded, “Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God’s precious daughter, Nancy. We believe and know that even in this valley, he is with you. Everyone is looking for you mommy, everywhere. We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again. We speak to you every moment. And we pray without ceasing and we rejoice in advance that the day that we hold you in our arms again. We love you mom.”
Earlier on Wednesday, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department denied having identified any suspects in the case.
“At this point, investigators have not identified a suspect or person of interest in this case. Detectives continue to speak with anyone who may have had contact with Mrs. Guthrie,” a statement from the police department read. “Detectives are working closely with the Guthrie family. While we appreciate the public’s concern, the sharing of unverified accusations or false information is irresponsible and does not assist the investigation. No suspect or person of interest has been identified at this time.”
