Savannah Guthrie to Undergo Vocal Cord Surgery, Will Miss Weeks of 'Today' Show
Co-anchor cites vocal nodules and a polyp and will be off air for several weeks after an early‑next-year procedure.
NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie said Friday she will miss weeks of NBC's Today as she undergoes vocal cord surgery. Guthrie told viewers that her voice has been scratchy and cracking for months and that she has vocal nodules and a polyp. 'It's not a big, big deal,' she said, but she will have surgery early in the new year and be off for a couple of weeks. It's my last day for a little while, she added. 'If you’ve been wondering, like, do I have the world's longest head cold? No, I don't.'
She noted an upside to the procedure for her family. 'But you’ll love this, guys. I have to be silent for a couple of weeks — totally silent,' Guthrie said, adding 'the jokes write themselves.' Guthrie quipped, 'Christmas comin’ early for my family.'
Co-hosts offered support: Sheinelle Jones, who has undergone the same surgery, gifted Guthrie a whiteboard to communicate with her family, while Craig Melvin offered prayers for healing and recovery. The moment underscored how the morning show team has navigated Guthrie’s absence in the past as she has dealt with vocal issues.
Guthrie described the condition as ongoing: 'This has been going on for years, honestly.'
The notes do not specify a return date beyond the initial weeks off, and no additional medical details were shared. The announcement marks the latest public update on Guthrie's vocal health and its impact on her hosting duties on Today.