Savannah Guthrie, the beloved co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, often shines in the spotlight, but her older sister, Annie Guthrie, leads a more introspective life filled with artistic pursuits. At 56, Annie has carved out a niche as a poet, writer, and jeweler in Tucson, Arizona, where she balances her professional roles with a deep commitment to family. While Savannah’s career thrusts her into the public eye, Annie prefers the quiet rhythm of creative expression, yet the sisters share an unbreakable bond forged through shared joys and hardships.
Recently, the Guthrie family has been thrust into the headlines due to the mysterious disappearance of their mother, Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old widow who vanished from her Tucson home in late January 2026. Annie, who lives nearby and was reportedly the last person to see Nancy after a family dinner, has been cooperating with authorities, including the FBI, as the investigation unfolds. This heartbreaking event has highlighted the close-knit nature of the Guthries, with Annie, Savannah, and their brother Camron uniting in their plea for Nancy’s safe return. Amid the uncertainty, Annie’s resilience echoes the strength she has drawn from her family’s history.
Early Life and Family Ties
Growing up in Tucson, Arizona, Annie Guthrie was the eldest of three siblings born to Nancy and Charles Guthrie. Her father, Charles, passed away suddenly from a heart attack in 1988 when Annie was in her late teens, an event that profoundly shaped the family. Savannah has often spoken about how the loss brought the siblings closer, describing how they “hung onto each other for dear life.” Annie, in particular, has reflected on their differences—calling herself and Savannah “like the sun and the moon”—yet emphasized their shared sorrows and successes. “Her sorrows are my sorrows, and her successes are my successes,” Annie once shared during an appearance on the Today show in 2017.
The family dynamic was enriched by Nancy’s influence, whom Annie affectionately described as their “bright north star.” Raised in a household that valued literature and journaling, Annie developed a love for words early on. She graduated from the University of Arizona and later earned a degree from Warren Wilson College, honing her skills in creative writing.
In 2006, Annie married Tommaso Cioni, an Italian-born individual who has largely stayed out of the public eye. Together, they reside in Tucson and have one child, maintaining a low-profile life until recent events drew unwanted attention. The couple’s home became a focal point in the search for Nancy, with FBI agents visiting as part of the ongoing probe into what authorities believe was an abduction.
Annie’s relationship with her siblings remains a cornerstone of her life. Her brother, Camron Guthrie, a retired F-16 fighter pilot, represents the family’s pride in service and discipline. Savannah has praised Camron as “one of this country’s finest,” while Annie’s bond with her sister is marked by mutual support. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Savannah reunited with Annie and Nancy after 16 months apart, underscoring their enduring connection despite geographical distances.
Professional Achievements and Artistic Endeavors
Professionally, Annie Guthrie has built a multifaceted career in the arts. She serves as the Marketing and Publicity Director for Kore Press, a feminist and activist publishing house, where she champions diverse voices in literature. Additionally, she holds a position as Marketing Director at the University of Arizona Poetry Center, curating events like the national symposium Poetry off the Page, which explores hybrid art forms including film, theater, and dance.
Annie’s own writing has garnered acclaim, most notably with her 2015 poetry collection, The Good Dark, published by Tupelo Press. The book delves into themes of complexity and introspection, much like Annie herself. Savannah hosted a launch party for the work, praising it as “good and dark and complicated, and captivating.” Beyond poetry, Annie has authored a book on jewelry design and runs a commission-only jewelry business at Splinter Brothers & Sisters Warehouse in Tucson. Her creations in platinum, gold, and silver reflect her thoughtful, reflective nature, blending craftsmanship with artistic vision.
Teaching creative writing at the University of Arizona, Annie inspires the next generation of artists. Her work has appeared in various journals, solidifying her place in literary circles. Even as the family navigates the ongoing crisis surrounding Nancy’s disappearance, Annie’s creative spirit serves as a beacon of hope and continuity for the Guthries.
