Full Breakdown
Savannah Guthrie Takes Leave for Vocal Cord Surgery
1/7/2026, 12:05:12 PM
Planned Absence for Health Reasons
Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC's *Today* show, is currently on a planned hiatus following vocal cord surgery. Announced on December 19, 2025, Guthrie revealed that she would be undergoing a procedure to remove vocal nodules and a polyp, which had been affecting her voice. She humorously noted that her voice had been "very scratchy" and had started to crack, likening it to a character from *The Brady Bunch* experiencing voice changes. Guthrie indicated that she would need to remain "totally silent" for a couple of weeks as part of her recovery process.
Recovery Updates
On January 5, 2026, Guthrie provided an update via Instagram, sharing a photo of herself holding a whiteboard that read, "All good! Thanks for prayers and love!" In her post, she expressed gratitude for the support she received and reassured fans that she would return soon. Guthrie's colleagues, including former co-anchor Hoda Kotb and co-host Sheinelle Jones, have also expressed their well-wishes for her recovery.
Temporary Co-Hosting Arrangements
During Guthrie's absence, her co-anchor Craig Melvin has been joined by Sheinelle Jones, who has previously undergone similar vocal surgery. Melvin announced at the start of the January 5 broadcast that Jones would be filling in for Guthrie, wishing her a speedy recovery. NBC has not confirmed whether Jones will continue to co-host for the entirety of Guthrie's leave or if other anchors will rotate in.
Official Statements & Responses
Guthrie's announcement about her surgery was met with an outpouring of support from fans and colleagues alike. She stated, "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." Her humorous take on the situation, including references to her family enjoying her silence, has resonated with viewers.
Criticism & Opposition
While there has been widespread support for Guthrie, some viewers have expressed concern over the lack of a specific return date. As of now, neither Guthrie nor NBC has provided a timeline for her return to the *Today* show, leading to speculation among fans about how long she will be absent.
What's Next
As Savannah Guthrie continues her recovery, fans are eagerly awaiting her return to the *Today* show. Her health update indicates a positive trajectory, and she has reassured viewers that she will be back on air soon. The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as her recovery progresses.
