"Today" co-host Savannah Guthrie made a surprise virtual appearance on the NBC morning show Tuesday, January 20, 2026, to update viewers on her recovery from vocal cord surgery — and to briefly unveil her "new voice."
The 54-year-old anchor, who has been off the desk since mid-December 2025 following the procedure to address vocal cord issues (including nodules and a polyp), confirmed the surgery was successful. "This is my new voice!" Guthrie exclaimed during the video call with co-hosts Craig Melvin, Jenna Bush Hager, Al Roker, Carson Daly, and Sheinelle Jones.
She described it as "my old voice, but my new voice," adding that the operation "worked" but involves a gradual recovery process.
Guthrie remains on vocal rest, limited to speaking just 5 to 10 minutes per hour to avoid strain — a challenge she admitted is tough given her talkative nature. Overusing her voice causes noticeable discomfort, so she's proceeding cautiously at home.Before her full-time return, Guthrie plans a brief on-air segment Friday, January 23, 2026, where she'll share more details about her health journey with viewers.
She expects to resume her regular spot at the anchor desk on Monday, January 26, 2026.The co-host first announced her need for surgery on December 19, 2025, explaining it would sideline her for several weeks with periods of total silence. Earlier updates included whiteboard messages on Instagram and during a January 12 appearance, where she assured fans she was "all good" and thanked them for support.
Colleagues and viewers have welcomed the positive progress, with many noting her voice sounded strong and clear during the short call-in. The lighthearted moment highlighted the close-knit "Today" team's support throughout her absence.