'If You Can't Leave Me, Then I Didn't Do My Job Right': Nancy Guthrie's Words to Savannah Matter More Than Ever

As news about Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, which the authorities have called a “possible kidnapping or abduction,” has been revealed, people around the world have been heartbroken for the family. That is why many have continued to pray for Nancy's safe return since Savannah Guthriepleaded for their support on Instagram.

Of course, it is nearly impossible for most people to fully grasp how painful this situation must be for Savannah and her family. Still, a story that the Today host once shared about her mom illustrates the inner strength that Nancy passed down. Sadly, Savannah needs that more than ever right now.

'If You Can't Leave Me, Then I Didn't Do My Job Right': Nancy Guthrie Sacrificed For Her Daughter's Independence

When Savannah Guthrie's father, Charles Guthrie, passed away, it devastated the family. During a 2022 Today show episode, Savannah shared a touching story about her mother, Nancy Guthrie's, sacrifice during that grief. As the TV host explained, she nearly skipped college because she didn't feel like she should leave her mother.

"My father died when I was entering my senior year in high school. I then lived at home all through college. We didn't have money to afford the dorm. And that was thing one, but the other was that my sister and I really felt like we should stick with my mom and not leave her alone."

If Savannah had stayed home, her life clearly would have played out differently. So what changed her mind? As she explained, it was her mother who insisted that she had to go. Nancy even stated that she'd be a failure as a parent if Savannah stayed just to be with her.

"It was really hard for me to leave her. And that's when she said, 'If you can't leave me, then I didn't do my job right, Savannah,' She just gave me permission to go, you know?"

Savannah went on to share that she recognized that her mother must have wanted to keep her home with her and that she could have. Instead, her mother had the inner strength to send her daughter off because it was what was best for Savannah.

"She could have held onto me. It wouldn't have taken very much. If she said, 'Well, you know, Savannah, maybe you could find something a little closer to home…' It's not because she didn't want me to stay. Of course, she wanted me to stay. But she's like, 'I'm not going to stand in the way of your dreams. I'm going to tell you, go go go go go.'"

That story reveals so much about the kind of mother Nancy is and the deep appreciation Savannah feels for her. Both of those revelations take on an even greater weight now.

A Mother's Lesson of Strength: How Nancy Guthrie Prepared Savannah Guthrie to Persevere Through Pain

As the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie unfolds, people worldwide have rallied in support around the family. A sign was even erected outside of Nancy's home to express that the community stands with them. That's heartening, but Savannah Guthrie is likely drawing most on the lessons her mother taught her through this extremely traumatic and difficult time.

Whenever Nancy and Savannah have appeared in public together or the Today host has spoken about her mom, their deep bond was obvious. That closeness would make their current separation even more painful. Yet, the immense strength of their connection would also almost certainly act as a lifeline through these dark times.

After losing her husband, Nancy showed Savannah how to persevere through pain and support loved ones. Witnessing that during her own grief likely played a significant role in the resilience that Savannah has exhibited throughout her time in the public eye. Tragically, she now needs to draw on that lesson more than ever, while also allowing herself the grace to feel the anguish of this situation.

Our thoughts are with Savannah Guthrie and all of Nancy Guthrie’s family and friends during this difficult time.