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Savannah Guthrie Updates “Today” Viewers on Vocal Surgery Recovery, Teases Return
Savannah Guthrie, co-host of NBC’s “Today,” offered a cheerful update on her recovery following vocal cord surgery, making a brief call-in appearance on Tuesday’s broadcast. The 54-year-old journalist, who has been absent from the “Today” desk since mid-December, assured viewers and her co-hosts that she is on the mend and preparing for her full return.
Guthrie initially began her cameo by smiling and communicating via a whiteboard, playfully displaying “love you” to her colleagues Jenna Bush Hager, Carson Daly, Sheinelle Jones, Craig Melvin, and Al Roker. However, she quickly ditched the board to share an audio update.
“I am still on vocal rest, but I’m allowed to talk for about five to 10 minutes every hour,” Guthrie explained, showcasing her “new voice – or my old voice. But my new voice.” Roker noted that her voice “sounds the same,” a sentiment echoed by other co-hosts.
Guthrie elaborated that her recovery is a “slow” process, requiring her to be mindful of how frequently she speaks. She lightheartedly recounted how a long weekend with her children tested the limits of her post-surgery vocal capacity.
Looking ahead, Guthrie confirmed her official return to “Today” duties for Monday. Before then, she will be featured in a “Today” segment airing Friday, which will delve deeper into her surgery experience.
Guthrie first announced her surgery and temporary hiatus on December 19, revealing that she had been experiencing a “very scratchy” voice and “cracking” due to non-cancerous growths on her vocal cords.
During Tuesday’s update, co-host Sheinelle Jones, who underwent a similar surgery in 2020, emphasized the importance of not taking one’s voice for granted. Guthrie concluded her appearance by expressing gratitude for her “Today” family and proudly displaying gift mugs from her well-wishers.
“See you Friday,” she said, signing off.