!!!BREAKING!!! Guthrie Family Tells Kidnappers "We Will Pay" In Just-Released Video

Summary

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Podcast Summary:

Podcast: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present
Episode: !!!BREAKING!!! Guthrie Family Tells Kidnappers "We Will Pay" In Just-Released Video
Date: February 8, 2026
Hosts: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes
Platform: iHeartPodcasts

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Episode Overview

This urgent episode covers a significant and distressing update in the search for Nancy Guthrie: her family has published a third, highly cryptic video message, indicating public willingness to pay the kidnappers for Nancy’s return. Amy and TJ break down the content, tone, and possible implications of the message just released by Savannah Guthrie and her siblings, analyzing what it might signal about Nancy’s fate and the family’s state of mind.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Breaking News Context

• The episode opens with TJ Holmes framing the gravity of the new development: the Guthrie family has just released a third video on Savannah Guthrie’s Instagram, stating their willingness to pay for their mother’s return ([02:51]).
  • “This is a breaking story, and this is something to try to figure out, interpret here what they're trying to say, what message they're trying to get out. This is a lot.” —TJ ([02:51])

The Cryptic Video Message

• Amy points out the video is more cryptic and somber than prior communications, possibly indicating some new contact or information from the abductors ([03:24]).
  • Savannah’s message begins with, “We received your message and we understand,” which Amy says sounds “almost like they’re talking to aliens,” due to its mysterious nature ([03:24]).
• The family’s willingness to pay is explicitly stated, but the nuances suggest a possible shift from hopes of a live rescue to seeking some form of closure ([04:12], [04:46]).

Live Playback and Dissection of the Video

• Amy and TJ play the 22-second video for listeners ([05:28]):
  • Key quotes from Savannah Guthrie:
    • "We received your message and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us and we will pay." (quoted by Amy at [05:50])

Implications and Interpretation

• Amy and TJ debate whether “celebrate with her” means the family believes Nancy is still alive or if it might allude to a memorial ([06:36], [09:00]).
  • Amy: “That would mean she's alive...but ‘peace’ could also mean we want her remains returned.” ([09:00])
  • TJ: “Celebrate is a word that I hear coming from religious people when you’re talking about people passing on...that word sank me more than the next line.” ([09:39])
• The tone and brevity of the message, compared to previous ones, signal a shift from desperation to resignation or a plea for closure ([10:47]).

Ongoing Investigation and Uncertainty

• TJ emphasizes how unusual such a high-profile kidnapping is in the US, referencing the Lindbergh case ([07:09]).
• The hosts highlight that official statements from authorities have not confirmed receipt of a credible ransom note, yet the family’s actions point to internal verification or proof from a third party ([04:12], [07:09]).
• Amy notes there was prior suspicion towards the family, but the latest message may refocus attention toward an external abductor ([04:46]).

Emotional Impact and Family Dynamics

• Amy emotionally describes the siblings’ body language, shifting from fear to apparent defeat ([15:24]):
  • “This video, it seemed like defeat...three people begging for somebody to give them peace, to give them closure, to give them their mother's remains back. That is what this felt like.” ([15:24])
• TJ observes the absence of urgency and clock-ticking energy, querying what changed so drastically ([16:39]):
  • “They went from desperation in the early ones to almost resignation in this one...what have they heard that got them here?” ([16:39])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Savannah Guthrie (via Amy, reading from video):

  • “We received your message and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us and we will pay.” ([05:50])

• Amy Robach:

  • “It did not feel like a desperate like, like, please let us pay you. We want our mother back. We just want her back with us...This felt, this tone felt very different now.” ([15:24])

• TJ Holmes:

  • “They went from desperation in the early ones to almost resignation in this one that we saw. And what was it? ...what have they heard that got them here?” ([16:39])
  • “Celebrate is a word that I hear coming from religious people when you’re talking about people passing on...that word sank me.” ([09:39])

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Highlight | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:51 | Breaking update on Guthrie family’s video release | | 03:24 | Analysis of the cryptic language of the family’s message | | 05:28 | Hosts play Savannah Guthrie’s video message | | 06:36 | Interpreting “proof of life” and possible coded meaning in the video | | 07:09 | Discussion of rarity and significance of a high-profile US kidnapping | | 09:00 | Debate over the meaning of “celebrate with her” and implications for Nancy's fate| | 10:47 | Noting the somber tone and brevity of the plea | | 15:24 | Emotional reflection on the siblings’ demeanor and possible resignation | | 16:39 | Hosts ponder what prompted the family’s shift in tone | | 18:37 | Closing thoughts: heartbreak, uncertainty, and promise for ongoing coverage |

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Tone and Takeaways

• The episode is urgent, somber, and highly analytical, with both hosts piecing together limited facts, nuanced language, and emotional cues.
• Amy and TJ underscore the unusual nature of the case and the family’s apparent emotional shift, inviting listeners to share in their concern and heartbreak while waiting for further developments.
• The conversation ends with the recognition that while hope remains, the family’s public message feels more like a plea for closure and peace than a negotiation for Nancy’s return alive.

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Transcript

[Amy Robach]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[TJ Holmes]

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Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On Public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors llc SEC Registered Advisor. Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an an investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures available at public.com disclosures at Lowe's get up to 35% off select major appliances plus members get free delivery, install and more. When you spend $2,500 on select major appliances, Lowe's we help you Save. Valid through 225 while supplies last. Selection varies by location. Excludes Massachusetts, Maryland, Wisconsin, New Jersey, Florida loyalty program. Subject to terms and conditions. Visit lowe's.com terms for details subject to change.

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[TJ Holmes]

Hey there, folks. It is Saturday, February 7th, and we have a significant breaking update in the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie. The family has put out now a third video saying they will pay to get their mother back. Welcome to this episode of Amy and TJ Robes. This is a breaking story, and this is something to try to figure out, interpret here what they're trying to say, what message they're trying to get out. This is a lot. But Robes, they're saying they'll pay a ransom, I guess, but I'm not sure exactly what they're thinking they're getting back.

[Amy Robach]

So this is something that just was posted as of this recording within the last 20, 30 minutes. And this is once again, Savannah Guthrie alongside her siblings Cameron Guthrie and Annie Guthrie. And yes, they said we will pay. But the interesting thing is this is a very cryptic video message, seemingly to an abductor they have seen somehow been in contact with. Because. And we'll play it for you in a sec. It begins with, we received your message, and we understand it. Almost for me, it sounds like they're talking to aliens who have, like, sent some message from it. It's very cryptic. We don't know exactly what they're referring to and who they're speaking to.

[TJ Holmes]

And this is, as we mentioned, the third one we've seen from the family. As far as the authorities go, Robes, it's important to mention they have not said that they have. They believe they've received a credible ransom note, yet there have been several out there. A ransom demand. A guy has been arrested and charged with a fake ransom demand. So it's. It's all over the place. But, Rose, based on this video, they do believe someone has their mom and it's possible to get her back by giving money. And that is what this message is, and that is different from the rest of them.

[Amy Robach]

Yes, this felt like a very different tone, and this feels like a significant twist in the story because, yes, I think, look, we had had the reports that had leaked out. A veteran journalist putting perhaps some suspicion on a family member, and people were headed in that direction. That was what a lot of people were going with. But now seeing those three siblings putting out a third video, and yes, the tone, what they said in this video message would lead you to believe that there has been some. Some shift, some development where they believe they are speaking to the person or persons who have their mother.

[TJ Holmes]

So Folks, we're going to let you hear it now. Forgive kind of the crappy audio here we are doing this on the fly again. This was just posted 20, 30 minutes ago by Savannah Guthrie to her Instagram account. But this is her sitting next to her siblings on a couch, just not reading from notes this time. And it's only a 22 second video. And this is what she said. Take a listen. Now.

[Amy Robach]

We received your message and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us and we will pay.

[TJ Holmes]

A video posted on.

[Amy Robach]

Okay, that is it. And this is very valuable to us.

[TJ Holmes]

It sounds like they understand something about their mother that we don't right now. Correct. It's, that's, that's plain as day. It sounds like to me they say we understand there's something we understand. Like understand something that might have happened. The celebrate part is. So let's go through that. We heard it for what it is. What did you hear?

[Amy Robach]

So could it be. We received your message and we understand what they had been asking for was proof of life. So it seems to me either they received proof of life or they receive proof of the possession of their mother. But it seems as though they're acknowledging that whatever was communicated to them or sent to them by this third party, they are saying that it feels like it's verified. That was my interpretation, yes.

[TJ Holmes]

Robes, this is now. Now if you taken a poll or we just all use common sense in this matter. This doesn't happen in the United States since Lindbergh baby type stuff. Robes, we don't just don't have high profile kidnappings of family members of high profile people. It doesn't happen in an 84 year old woman. It just doesn't happen. Okay, so the likelihood, Robes, was that this was something else, that this wasn't a ransom demand. And the authorities are saying we haven't verified. So now with this, you're telling me after all this we are seeing a once in a generation type story playing out and that this is a public ransom situation of the family member of a famous person.

[Amy Robach]

This is what it feels like. We received your message and we understand.

[TJ Holmes]

They are talking to somebody that they believe has their mother. Is that.

[Amy Robach]

Yes. And this is apparently the way that this person has instructed they communicate with them. Because if there was another channel, if there was another way, there are plenty of ways online via phone and apps and all of these secret ways of communicating that they could have instructed them to talk to them, but it appears as though this is their way of communicating with these abductors who it seems as though they are validating or verifying or authenticating by this message.

[TJ Holmes]

You have the text in front of you what she said. Okay. That she is 100%. They are verifying to all of us that their mother is being held for ransom right now, and it's legit.

[Amy Robach]

We received your message and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her.

[TJ Holmes]

What does that mean?

[Amy Robach]

That would mean she's alive. I mean, that is what that. I would. I would take that to mean that somehow they received something from this person they're now talking to or communicating with, that their mother is alive and they believe it. This is the only way we will have peace. Then you can interpret as maybe they know she's not alive and they need to have her to celebrate a funeral with her, and then they will have peace. Because that next line to me negates, celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. Sounds like we just want her remains returned.

[TJ Holmes]

Celebrate is a word that I hear coming from religious people when you're talking about people passing on. And when she said it, that word sank me more than the next line. So we can celebrate with her. Celebrate is not a word. Yes, they would love to have her home right now. A celebration doesn't seem like it's even in your mindset. Even if she comes home, you're going to be happy. You're going to be hugging, you're going to be crying. Celebrate was a tough word to hear.

[Amy Robach]

It was.

[TJ Holmes]

Because it sounds like. It just sounds like a religious something that I know and I've heard. I grew up around celebrate, Homegoing celebrations. And it just sounded right for her in the next line to say, we need peace.

[Amy Robach]

This is the only way we will have peace.

[TJ Holmes]

That means we have to. We. We. We have to.

[Amy Robach]

Yeah, we have to be able to celebrate her life and bury her remains. And then the next sentence was even more somber. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay. Meaning it sounded like, we will pay.

[TJ Holmes]

For her remains and there is no ransom anymore.

[Amy Robach]

That is what it sounded like. We. We don't know. That's just an honest interpretation. But it wasn't also the tone. Look, this was such a quick and short message that also created a tone. If they thought their mother was still alive, there would be. It seems like there would be more desperation, more earnestness. It would have gone on for longer. The fact that it was very concise, very short and and in tone seemed deliberate and somber.

[TJ Holmes]

Yeah, and this was a day and it seems robes recently at least. Major developments. We're hearing more from the family, if you will, than we have from authorities with all this going on. What exactly are we hearing from authorities right now? Success starts with your drive, and American Public University is here to fuel it.

[Amy Robach]

With affordable tuition and over 200 flexible online programs, APU helps you gain the skills and confidence to move forward.

[TJ Holmes]

Whether you're changing careers, starting fresh or pursuing a lifelong passion, APU's programs are designed for people who never stop you bring the fire.

[Amy Robach]

APU will fuel the journey. Learn more at apu Apus Edu.

[Sponsor Voice]

Support for the show comes from Public, the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On Public, you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index. With AI, it all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S&P 500. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com, and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC Advisory Services by Public Advisors, llc. SEC Registered Advisor Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures available at public.com disclosures this.

[Bowen Yang]

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[Amy Robach]

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[TJ Holmes]

Foreign. We continue here. Again, a major development and a major shift in, I guess, interpretation of what's happening behind the scenes. We haven't gotten official word, of course, not yet about the fate of Nancy Guthrie, but we've been discussing this 22 second video that the family has now put out. Savannah Guthrie, flanked by her brother and sister, making a plea to the kidnappers for the return of their mother. But robes, I mean, it's. What do you do, Ro you call it as you see it? It is what it is. And we're all hearing the same thing. And we want to hold on to hope that maybe this woman was going to come home. But the family rope, the last part you just pointed out, and that might have been more crucial in saying it sounds like there's not a ransom we're offering anymore, but having her back is still a value and we'll pay for that. You. I was focused on some earlier things and the, the first part of the message. But that last closing line, Rose, says a lot.

[Amy Robach]

I think this is very valuable to us and we will pay. Well, if you take the last two sentence, this is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us and we will pay. And you know what? You see these three siblings holding hands, there was a different energy about them. There was a fear, there were tears, there was passion, there was desperation. There was a lot of emotion in that video. When you saw the three siblings together, I'm getting emotional seeing them now, this video, it seemed like defeat. And they actually used the word beg. And that's exactly what this video came off as. Three people begging for somebody to give them peace, to give them closure, to give them their mother's remains back. That is what this felt like. It did not feel like a desperate like, like, please let us pay you. We want our mother back. We just want her back with us. There was none of that. This felt, this tone felt very different now. It also had the hashtag bring her home. And that's still remains true. But this was just, it felt very, very Different.

[TJ Holmes]

I mean, it did and it didn't. You know, it also didn't feel urgent, right? It didn't feel like a clock ticking. It didn't feel that way. And. And yes, they went from desperation in the early ones to almost resignation in this one that we saw. And what was it? You have to ask that. Next thing, what have they heard that got them here? Right. They went yesterday from saying, we want her home and feel she's alive and haven't seen anything otherwise, talking to her. What is it today then that they have learned that put them in this place? You have to wonder it.

[Amy Robach]

Well, the fact that it began, how it began. We've been just dissecting this 22 second video. But to have it begin with, we received your message and we understand. So they received something. Look, we know that there was another message delivered to the local affiliate there in Tucson. And we know that authorities said there were details and there were specifics in there that they were trying to authenticate. We don't know if the Guthrie children's response comes from that message, but clearly if it was that message or another one, they received something from someone that made them believe that there was a development that they needed to acknowledge.

[TJ Holmes]

This is. Look, we have someone communicating with a kidnapper over a ransom via social media. What is happening? Folks, we wanted to hop on. We didn't anticipate an update, certainly not of this kind, but we wanted to hop on when it did happen and give you the quick update for what's happening. But folks, we will keep our eye on this one and hop on again. We keep telling you top right corner of your Apple podcast app where you see our show page. There's a button there that says follow. Click on that and you can make sure you all get our always get our updates coming right to you. But robes, this isn't one we saw coming.

[Amy Robach]

No, this is. This is. This feels heartbreaking without knowing anything, without confirming anything. It's just. There's an energy, there's a tone. There are the words that they carefully chose. And this was a carefully chosen message. And it just, right now, it just feels. It feels dark.

[TJ Holmes]

All right, well, folks, we will hop on with any other significant updates, any other breaking news. We always appreciate you going along with us here. For my dear Amy Robach, I'm TJ Holmes and we will talk to you also. Success starts with your drive, and American Public University is here to fuel it.

[Amy Robach]

With affordable tuition and over 200 flexible online programs, APU helps you gain the skills and confidence to move forward.

[TJ Holmes]

Whether you're changing careers, starting fresh, or pursuing a lifelong passion, APU's programs are designed for people who never stop.

[Amy Robach]

You bring the fire. APU will fuel the journey. Learn more at APU apus.edu.

[Bowen Yang]

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[Amy Robach]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed human.