Briefnow
Mar 27, 2026

“This Is My Last Day For A While”: Savannah Guthrie Steps Back From Today In Sudden Health Break As Surgery Looms

Savannah Guthrie has confirmed she is taking an unexpected break from the Today show as she prepares to undergo vocal surgery following a long-running health issue that she has quietly battled for years.

Savannah Guthrie is taking a break from the Today show while she undergoes vocal surgery

Savannah Guthrie is taking a break from the Today show while she undergoes vocal surgery

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The 53-year-old co-anchor addressed viewers directly during Friday morning’s broadcast, revealing that her increasingly hoarse and cracking voice had finally been diagnosed.

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“Some of you may have noticed my voice has been very scratchy and has started to crack,” Savannah said on air. “Well, I found out what it is.”

Doctors have discovered that Guthrie has vocal nodules and a polyp on her vocal cords — a condition that will require surgery early in the new year, followed by a period of complete vocal rest.

The co-anchor revealed on Friday's show that she has nodules on her vocal chords

The co-anchor revealed on Friday’s show that she has nodules on her vocal chords

“It’s not a big, big deal,” she reassured fans. “But I will need surgery and I’ll be off for a couple of weeks. So this is my last day for a little while.”

Savannah, who has been a mainstay on Today since 2012 and currently co-hosts alongside Craig Melvin, admitted the issue has been lingering far longer than most viewers realised.

It is not yet known when Guthrie will return to the Today show in the new year

It is not yet known when Guthrie will return to the Today show in the new year It is not yet known when Guthrie will return to the Today show in the new year

“This has been going on for years, honestly,” she shared. “So to finally have a solution feels incredibly positive.”

A ‘Totally Silent’ Recovery

After the procedure, Savannah will be required to remain “totally silent” while she heals — a daunting challenge for a broadcaster whose entire career depends on her voice.

Guthrie has presented the Today show since 2012 and currently co-hosts with Craig Melvin

Guthrie has presented the Today show since 2012 and currently co-hosts with Craig Melvin

Her Today colleagues quickly rallied around her live on air. Sheinelle Jones, who previously underwent the same surgery, offered reassurance from personal experience.

“I had the same thing — the surgery is in and out,” Sheinelle said. “The silver lining is you’re given permission to be still. The house gets quiet. The kids want to help.”

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