Savannah Guthrie opened up on TODAY on April 3, 2025 about the surgery that took her voice for a month. The 54-year-old anchor explained how nodules and a polyp forced her to step away for five weeks. Her candid account shows how a simple voice problem can ripple through a broadcast career.
At a Glance
- Savannah Guthrie had vocal cords removed and needed silence.
- She missed five weeks of the TODAY show.
- Recovery included an hour-long surgery and eight days of complete quiet.
- Why it matters: Her voice is central to her role; the story highlights how vocal health can affect a high-profile career.
Voice Issues Unfold
Savannah first noticed her voice getting deeper and raspier over the last year or two. “I figured it was normal aging and wear and tear,” she said. The rasp grew to the point where she could’t finish sentences without cracking.
Doctors initially blamed silent reflux and tried medication, but symptoms worsened. Voice therapy was described as tedious and ineffective. Eventually, a second exam revealed nodules and a polyp- a burst blood vessel on the vocal cords- that could not be treated non-surgically.
A timeline of her vocal health journey:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Feb 9, 2023 | First public mention of voice changes |
| Nov-Dec 2024 | Daily need to redo segments; decision to seek surgery |
| Dec 2024 | Underwent surgery |
| Jan 2025 | Returned to TODAY |
| Apr 3, 2025 | Public discussion of recovery |
Surgery and Recovery
The operation lasted less than an hour. Voice specialist Dr. Peak Woo explained that instruments the size of an ant’s head were used to carefully remove the polyp while preserving surrounding tissue for vibration.
The most challenging part was an eight-day vow of complete silence. “Quiet does not come naturally to me,” she said. “At first, it was anxiety-inducing to have everything so still.” After getting used to it, she described the period as “beautiful solitude and reflection,” during which she read more and even painted.
The surgeon cautioned her to avoid loud, crowded rooms. Guthrie laughed, “Have you seen the TODAY Show?” She noted the prognosis is good and that she is excited about the reset.
Impact on Career
Missing five weeks meant re-recording many segments and dealing with frustration and embarrassment. She described the daily struggle of trying to speak without breaking. Despite this, her team supported her and arranged for a smooth return.
Upon her return, she emphasized the importance of using her voice differently. “This should be a reset,” she said. She also mentioned that she will soon sing with her children at home and plans to perform in church.
Family and Personal Growth
Her daughter Vale, 11, and son Charley, 9, welcomed her back. Charley noted the change in her voice, but the family remains supportive.
Jenna Bush Hager, a close colleague, suggested Guthrie might try painting like her father, former President George Bush. Guthrie replied, “I don’t have his talent or patience for it,” but she appreciated how painting altered her perception of light and shapes.
The experience taught her that speaking for a living carries hidden challenges. “If you feel hoarseness, it’s worth getting it checked out,” she advised. She also reflected that the quiet time allowed her to tap into a different part of her brain.
Takeaways
- Vocal health is crucial for public-facing roles.
- Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent prolonged absences.
- Rest and silence are essential for recovery after vocal surgery.
- Support from family and colleagues eases the transition back to work.
- Personal hobbies can provide therapeutic benefits during recovery.
