Savannah Guthrie is stepping back from hosting duties on the Today show.
The broadcaster, 53, announced on the December 19 episode of Today that she will undergo vocal cord surgery in early 2026. Savannah noted that the episode would be her “last day” ahead of the procedure.
The operation, according to the host, will require complete vocal rest, leaving her unable to do Today — for now.
Savannah Guthrie’s “last day” on Today is more of an extended break
“Some of you have noticed that my voice has been very scratchy and started to crack a little bit,” Guthrie explained. “Well, I have found out what it is. I have vocal nodules and I also have a polyp.”
Savannah, who has hosted Today since 2012, went on to clarify that she is positive about the outcome. “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.”
The NBC heavyweight revealed she had been confused by a few mysterious health symptoms for some time. Savannah said she felt like she had “the world’s longest head cold” for “years,” and was “excited” to get to the other side of the surgery.
In the meantime, Savannah will have to take a vow of silence in the lead-up to her surgery, too. “Christmas [is] coming early for my family,” she joked, having a good sense of humour about her hiatus. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade presenter will have to rest her voice for approximately two weeks following her exit from screens.
Savannah didn’t announce a return date for Today, but her co-host, Sheinelle Jones, shared the positive experiences she had when she underwent the surgery herself.
“The silver lining is you have permission to be still. The house gets quiet, the kids are gonna want to help you out.”
TELL US – WILL YOU MISS SAVANNAH ON THE SHOW?
