Savannah Guthrie, the beloved co-host of NBC's flagship morning programme, has revealed she will be stepping away from the Today show for a period to undergo essential surgery on her voice.
Health Diagnosis Leads to Planned Surgery
During Friday's broadcast, the 53-year-old broadcaster shared the personal news with viewers. Guthrie explained that she has been diagnosed with vocal nodules and a polyp on her vocal cords, which require surgical removal.
She directly addressed those who had noticed a change in her voice, stating, "Some of you have noticed that my voice has been very scratchy and started to crack a little bit." Guthrie confirmed the cause, adding, "Well, I have found out what it is. I have vocal nodules and I also have a polyp."
A Long-Awaited Solution After Years of Struggle
Guthrie expressed relief at finally receiving a clear diagnosis after a prolonged period of uncertainty. "This has been going on for years, honestly, so to have a solution," she said, noting she was "really excited" to have a path forward.
She assured audiences that while the condition is "not a big, big deal," the necessary treatment will require a temporary absence. "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 announced.
Recovery Requires Complete Vocal Silence
The forthcoming vocal surgery will be followed by a strict recovery period. Medical advice dictates that Guthrie must adhere to complete vocal rest, meaning she will need to be "totally silent" in the days immediately following the procedure to ensure optimal healing.
Her final show before the hiatus was Friday's programme, with a return expected after several weeks of recovery. The popular presenter's candid announcement highlights the physical demands faced by broadcasters and the importance of vocal health in the industry.
