The kidnapping case of Savannah Guthrie’s mother Nancy shakes up America

However, she added: “We live in a world where voices and images can be 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 willing to listen. Please contact us.”

The FBI had not verified those notes at the time, but confirmed on February 5 that one arrest had been made for a false ransom demand.

Less than a week before her mother went missing, Savannah had just returned to the Today studios on Jan. 26 after taking some time off to recover from surgery to remove a polyp and a lump from her vocal cords.

She was preparing to join her peers for a prominent spot at the Milan Olympics. She also reflected on what another difficult era had taught her: On January 21, the Emmy-winning journalist opened up about her former Today co-host of Hoda Kotb’s new podcast about her 2009 divorce from her first husband Mark Orchard, a BBC journalist, calling it “the hardest time” of her life.

It took years to recover, Savannah admitted. Later she found love again and married communications consultant Michael Feldman (57), father of their children Vale (11) and Charley (9). But she credits that difficult time with strengthening her faith.

“I realized that I didn’t have to be perfect to be loved by God. I didn’t even have to be close because I was definitely a failure,” she revealed. “And I felt really loved and carried by God and that was such an important, integral moment in life.”