The disappearance of US talk-show host Savannah Guthrie’s elderly mother has taken an even more sinister turn after an alleged ransom note demanded payment for her release.

Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Sunday (local time) after she failed to show up at church, and she has not been seen since.

Investigators believe the 84-year-old mother of Melbourne-born Today show host Savannah was “taken from her home against her will, possibly in the middle of the night”.

“Taken against her will includes possible kidnapping or abduction,” Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told People.

Now, entertainment website TMZ claims it was sent a note on Tuesday morning (local time) demanding payment for Nancy Guthrie’s release.

“The note… 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,” it reported.

The note also contained details of what it claimed Guthrie was wearing when she was taken.

TMZ said it had verified the Bitcoin address was real, and forwarded the note to the local sheriff.

“There is a deadline connected to the alleged ransom … and an element of ‘or else’,” it claimed.

Police say the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie is suspicious.

Other media outlets have also reportedly received alleged ransom notes.

In a social media post, Nanos confirmed the Pima County Sheriff’s Department was “aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie”.

“We are taking all tips and leads very seriously,” it continued. “Anything that comes in, goes directly to our detectives who are coordinating with the FBI.”

No suspects have so far been identified in relation to Guthrie’s disappearance, and authorities have not confirmed if the alleged ransom note is real or a hoax.

LATEST: NANCY GUTHRIE https://t.co/bnwTx5VoPM pic.twitter.com/q3pJBoNz2B

— Pima County Sheriff’s Department (@PimaSheriff) February 3, 2026

Searchers have been using drones and dogs in their search for the missing woman, who is said to have limited mobility but be “sharp as a tack” mentally.

“We have an 84-year-old woman who went to bed Saturday night and come Sunday morning, she’s gone,” Nanos said earlier.

“We know, at least we believe, and I believe we know, she did not walk out of that home on her own.”

Nancy Guthrie’s neighbours have posted a sign outside her home with the words: “Dear Guthrie family, your neighbours stand with you.”

“I think everyone is just scared and worried about Nancy and hoping that she’s okay,” one of them told Newsweek.

Savannah Guthrie, who was absent from the anchors’ desk on Monday when Today reported her mother’s disappearance, was reportedly born in Melbourne while her father was stationed here for work, but grew up in Arizona in the US.

She has issued a statement through NBC on behalf of her family, thanking people for their “thoughts, prayers and messages of support”.

“Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear Nancy,” she said.

Nancy Guthrie’s family has not commented on the alleged ransom note.