If you turned on the TV this morning and felt like something was... off, you aren't alone. That familiar voice is missing. Honestly, it’s kinda weird starting the day without Savannah Guthrie at the desk next to Craig Melvin. For anyone asking where is Savannah Guthrie, the answer isn't a vacation or a secret exit from NBC.
She's actually recovering from a pretty significant surgery.
After months of her voice sounding scratchy—she joked herself that it sounded like she had the "world's longest head cold"—doctors finally pinpointed the issue. Savannah has been dealing with vocal nodules and a polyp on her vocal cords.
The Silent Treatment
On December 19, Savannah officially signed off for a bit. She told viewers it wasn't a "big, big deal," but the recovery requires something that sounds like a nightmare for a professional talker: total silence.
Basically, she has to be 100% quiet for a couple of weeks. No whispering. No talking. Just... nothing.
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Her co-host Sheinelle Jones, who went through the exact same thing a few years back, even gifted her a whiteboard to communicate at home. Apparently, her kids, Vale and Charley, think it's hilarious. On a recent check-in, Savannah held up a sign saying her kids told her, "Mom, even when you're quiet, you're still loud."
Why Savannah Guthrie Still Matters to the Morning Routine
Losing a lead anchor even for a few weeks changes the whole vibe of the show. We've seen a rotating cast of familiar faces like Sheinelle Jones and Laura Jarrett filling the gap.
The surgery happened right at the start of January 2026. Since then, she’s been active on Instagram, mostly sharing "silent updates." It’s a lot of watercolor painting, journaling, and meditation.
Most people don't realize that vocal nodules are basically calluses that form from overusing your voice. When you're an anchor on a live four-hour news show every single day, that’s a lot of wear and tear. Savannah mentioned this has been an issue for years, so she’s actually "really excited" to finally get it fixed.
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When is she coming back?
The big question. On January 12, Savannah made a surprise "silent" appearance via video. She didn't speak a word, obviously, but she used her trusty whiteboard to give us the scoop.
She confirmed she is slated to return to the Today show desk in just one week.
If you're doing the math, that puts her back in the studio around January 19 or 20. Doctors usually want a slow ramp-up after this kind of procedure, so don't be surprised if she’s not doing the heavy lifting or the "all-out" interviews immediately.
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Whenever a big star like Savannah is gone, the rumor mill starts churning. Is she leaving? Is there drama behind the scenes with Hoda Kotb's departure?
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Nope. This is purely medical.
It’s actually a pretty brave move to take the time off. In the world of live news, being "off the air" for weeks is risky for your brand, but Savannah has clearly reached a point where her health—and her voice—had to come first. She even teased that once she's healed, she might start singing again.
"The tour's happening in 2026," she joked. "Let's go!"
Navigating the Recovery
The recovery process for vocal surgery is more mental than physical. Imagine not being able to yell for your kids or talk to your husband, Mike Feldman, for fourteen days straight.
- Vocal Rest: Absolute silence for the first phase.
- Voice Therapy: Learning how to speak without straining.
- Gradual Return: Short segments before full anchoring duties.
If you've been missing her, the wait is almost over. She's currently at her Brooklyn home, likely finishing up those watercolor paintings and resting those vocal cords for the busy year of news ahead.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check her Instagram (@savannahguthrie): She’s been posting her whiteboard updates and artwork there fairly regularly.
- Watch for the "Return" promo: NBC usually runs a highlight reel a day or two before a major anchor returns.
- Keep an eye on the 7 AM hour: Savannah typically handles the "hard news" lead at the top of the show, which will be the first place she reappears.