Savannah Guthrie made headlines on Jan. 20 when she returned to the Today show after a month of silence, sharing the journey of her vocal recovery and how her kids reacted to her new voice.
At a Glance
- Savannah Guthrie returns to Today with a post-surgery voice.
- She had surgery for nodules and a polyp on her vocal cords.
- Her children, Vale and 8-year-old Charley, expressed mixed feelings about her silence.
- Why it matters: The story highlights the physical toll of daily speaking jobs and the family dynamics that accompany a medical hiatus.
Introduction
On Dec. 19, the Today show host announced she would step away from the program for two weeks to recover from vocal surgery. After months of quiet, she finally spoke again on Jan. 20, revealing a new voice that left her co-workers and viewers astonished.
The Surgery and Recovery
Savannah’s vocal issues began with nodules on her cords and a polyp that required removal. The procedure forced her into a period of complete silence, during which she could only speak for five to 10 minutes every hour. Despite the restriction, she remained determined to return to the airwaves.
- Two weeks of silence allowed her vocal cords to heal.
- She was allowed limited speaking time during recovery.
- She kept her family updated through Instagram Stories.
Kids React to Silence
Her children, Vale and Charley, were not fans of the quiet. In a series of Instagram Stories, Guthrie posted a whiteboard with a doodle of a frowning woman and the caption, “I can’t talk!” Her son Charley, 8, laughed while holding the board, scribbling over the doodle.
> “Kids are so over the silent routine (And so am I),” she wrote.
Charley later joked that his mom sounded like a “good-sounding duck,” noting her voice was “not even close” to what it used to be.
Return to the Today Show
During the Morning Boost segment on Jan. 20, Guthrie began by writing on a whiteboard. She then said, “You know what, I think it’d be easier for me to just talk!” and announced she was still on vocal rest but could talk for five to 10 minutes every hour.
Her co-workers cheered as she spoke. Al Roker told her she “sounds the same,” while Craig Melvin noted she sounded “markedly better.” Guthrie hinted she would return on Jan. 26.
Co-workers’ Comments
- Al Roker: “She sounds the same.”
- Craig Melvin: “Markedly better.”
- Guthrie: “I think the good news is that it worked!” She also mentioned Sheinelle Jones, who had undergone similar surgery.
> “You’re allowed to talk and if you talk too much – which is a real risk for me – you start to feel it, so you just have to take it easy.”
Takeaway
Savannah Guthrie’s return underscores the importance of vocal health for high-profile speakers. Her transparent sharing of the recovery process offers a rare glimpse into the challenges faced by those who rely on their voice as a professional tool.
- Vocal surgery can require months of silence.
- Limited speaking time is crucial during healing.
- Family support plays a key role in recovery.
The story serves as a reminder that even the most polished public figures can face unexpected health hurdles.
