Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie to undergo vocal cord surgery, will miss weeks on air
Guthrie says vocal nodules and a polyp have prompted an early-year operation; she will be silent for a period during recovery.
Savannah Guthrie, a co-host of NBC's Today, said Friday she will undergo vocal cord surgery early in the new year and will be off the air for several weeks. Guthrie told viewers that her voice has been increasingly crackly and hoarse over the past several months.
She explained that doctors diagnosed vocal nodules, and now a polyp on her vocal cords. 'I have vocal nodules, and now I also have a polyp,' Guthrie said, noting that it's 'not a big, big deal' but that the procedure will require time away. She added that 'this has been going on for years, honestly.' The operation, she said, would require her to be silent for a couple of weeks, but she tried to keep the tone upbeat: 'But you’ll love this, guys. I have to be silent for a couple of weeks — totally silent,' she said, joking that 'the jokes write themselves.' 'Christmas comin’ early for my family,' she quipped in closing.
The on-air candid update drew sympathetic responses from Guthrie's colleagues. Sheinelle Jones, who has undergone the same surgery, presented Guthrie with a whiteboard to help her communicate with family during her recovery, a gesture Guthrie described as thoughtful. Craig Melvin offered prayers for healing and recovery, underscoring the supportive camaraderie among the Today team.
Guthrie told viewers that the diagnosis and forthcoming operation have been a long time in the works. 'This has been going on for years, honestly,' she said, framing the news in a positive light as she prepares to focus on health and family during the downtime.
The announcement comes as Guthrie has navigated muted voice changes in recent months and prepares to take time away from the show for the procedure and early recovery. She did not provide a specific date for the surgery beyond noting it would occur early in the new year, but she emphasized that the course of treatment is aimed at long-term vocal health and continued work on the program.
For fans and viewers, Guthrie’s update offered transparency about a health issue that can affect performers in high-profile, live settings. The decision to proceed with surgery and take leave underscores the impact of vocal health on public-facing roles and the measures media figures take to maintain performance standards while prioritizing recovery.