Breaking News: Savannah Guthrie, the beloved anchor of NBC's 'Today' show, is set to take a temporary leave in 2026. The reason? A necessary surgery on her vocal cords. This news has sparked a wave of well wishes from fans and colleagues alike.
Published on December 22, 2025, this announcement from syracuse.com, penned by Kelly Corbett, reveals that Guthrie will undergo a procedure to address nodules and a polyp affecting her voice.
During the Friday broadcast, Guthrie shared that her voice had been noticeably scratchy and prone to cracking. After years of experiencing these issues, she is finally getting them addressed. The surgery will require a period of vocal rest for recovery.
But here's where it gets personal... Guthrie, known for her vibrant presence, humorously mentioned that some viewers might have thought she had a never-ending cold. However, she expressed excitement about finally finding a solution. She also joked about the 'silent treatment' she'll be under for a couple of weeks, hinting at a 'Christmas coming early' for her family.
Sheinelle Jones, a fellow 'Today' show host, shared her own experience with the same surgery, offering Guthrie some words of encouragement. Jones highlighted the silver lining of the recovery period, including the opportunity for stillness and support from family. Jones even gifted Guthrie a whiteboard for communication during her recovery, adding a touch of humor by suggesting Guthrie might emerge from the experience with a singing voice like Céline Dion. Guthrie, in response, playfully reminisced about her singing past, joking about a potential 'tour' in 2026.
This marks Guthrie's 13th year with the NBC program, having joined in June 2011 as a co-host and becoming the main co-anchor in July 2012. Her absence will undoubtedly be felt by viewers.
A Little More About the Author: Kelly Corbett, the author of this piece, is a Trending News Reporter for syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. She covers a variety of topics, from celebrity news to product recalls.
What do you think? Are you surprised by this news? Do you have any experiences with vocal cord issues or surgeries? Share your thoughts in the comments below!