Savannah Guthrie Shares News of Upcoming Vocal Surgery and Temporary Break from the Today Show

Savannah Guthrie on Monday, April 2, 2023.
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Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty

Savannah Guthrie Announces Upcoming Vocal Surgery

Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, revealed on December 19 that she will undergo vocal surgery in the new year, necessitating a temporary absence from the morning program.

The 53-year-old broadcaster disclosed that she has been diagnosed with vocal nodules and a polyp, both of which require surgical intervention. Following the procedure, Guthrie will be on strict vocal rest for several weeks during her recovery.

"Some of you have noticed that my voice has been very scratchy and started to crack a little bit," Guthrie explained during the broadcast. "Well, I have found out what it is. I have vocal nodules and I also have a polyp. It’s not a big, big deal, but I am going to have to have a surgery in the new year and be off for a couple of weeks, so this is my last day for a little while."

Guthrie expressed relief at finally identifying the issue, noting, "This has been going on for years, honestly, so to have a solution." She humorously added that the enforced silence would lead to "Christmas coming early for my family."

Sheinelle Jones, Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin and Al Roker discuss Guthrie’s vocal surgery on the Today show.

NBC

Her co-host Sheinelle Jones, who has undergone the same procedure, provided encouragement and insights. "The silver lining is you have permission to be still," she said, highlighting the quiet moments at home during recovery. Jones also gifted Guthrie a whiteboard she used to communicate while healing.

"A lot of the greats have done it, maybe you’ll come out singing like, I don’t know, Celine Dion," Jones joked.

Guthrie shared her musical past, quipping, "Well, you know, it’s really funny, I used to sing. Then I couldn’t sing anymore and then I couldn’t speak anymore. So who knows, guys the tour is happening in 2026."

Sheinelle Jones gives Savannah Guthrie her whiteboard to help after her vocal surgery.

NBC

Guthrie has been a prominent figure on the NBC morning broadcast since 2012. She is a mother to two children, 11-year-old Vale and 9-year-old Charley, with her husband Mike Feldman.

In 2019, Guthrie faced another health challenge when she underwent eye surgery to reattach her right retina after an accident involving a toy train with her son. She had initially hoped for a less invasive fix but ultimately required more extensive surgery.

“I was hoping that they weren’t going to get in there and see, ‘Oh, it’s worse than we thought. We can’t fix it,’” she recalled, describing the anxiety leading up to the surgery. Despite the successful operation, Guthrie’s recovery involved challenges, including the need to remain in a facedown position for significant periods.

“Its uniquely challenging, this recovery,” she said at the time. “Your body starts hurting in different places, lying down like that.”