Savannah Guthrie has announced she will take a temporary break from the Today as she prepares to undergo vocal cord surgery to treat a long-standing voice condition. Speaking directly to viewers, the 53-year-old journalist explained that many had noticed her increasingly hoarse and scratchy voice in recent months. Doctors later diagnosed her with vocal nodules and a polyp on her vocal cords, conditions that typically require surgery and a period of rest.

Guthrie said the procedure will take place in the new year and will be followed by complete vocal rest, meaning she will need to remain totally silent while her vocal cords heal. Although she reassured viewers that the surgery is not considered serious, the recovery will still require her to step away from broadcasting for several weeks.

Her colleagues quickly offered support during the broadcast. Sheinelle Jones—who previously had the same surgery—shared encouraging words and even gave Guthrie a whiteboard so she could communicate during recovery. Co-anchor Craig Melvin also wished her a smooth and speedy healing process.

This is not Guthrie’s first health challenge. In 2019 she suffered a serious eye injury after her young son accidentally hit her with a toy train, which temporarily affected her vision and required multiple surgeries. Now focused on rest and recovery, Guthrie told viewers this is simply a short pause while she heals before returning to the show.