Popular Today show host Savannah Guthrie shared a significant health update with viewers on Friday, announcing she will be taking a multi-week leave from the NBC morning program to undergo surgery.
Guthrie's Vocal Health Diagnosis
Addressing her audience directly, Guthrie explained that her noticeably scratchy and occasionally cracking voice over recent months was due to a medical condition. She revealed she has been diagnosed with vocal nodules and a polyp on her vocal cords. The broadcaster was quick to reassure everyone, stating it was "not a big, big deal," but would require a procedure to resolve.
"I am going to have to have a surgery real early in the new year and be off for a couple of weeks," Guthrie stated, confirming her last day on air for a while was that Friday broadcast. She humorously addressed viewer speculation, adding, "if you've been wondering, like, do I have the world's longest head cold? No, I don't."
The Surgery and Its Unique Recovery Requirement
The upcoming procedure comes with a strict and challenging post-operative mandate: complete vocal rest. Guthrie highlighted this point to her fellow co-hosts with a laugh, noting the potential upside for her home life.
"But you'll love this, guys. I have to be silent for a couple of weeks ― totally silent," she said, quipping that "the jokes write themselves" and declaring it would be "Christmas comin' early for my family."
Support from the Today Show Family
Her colleagues immediately offered both practical help and emotional support. Sheinelle Jones, who has undergone the same surgery, presented Guthrie with a thoughtful gift to aid her during the silent recovery period: a whiteboard for communicating with her family. Craig Melvin offered "prayers for healing and recovery."
Despite the inconvenience, Guthrie expressed a positive outlook about finally addressing the long-standing issue. "I'm really excited about the surgery," she said, noting that the underlying vocal problem "has been going on for years, honestly." Her announcement underscores the physical demands faced by broadcasters and the importance of vocal health in their profession.
