Savannah Guthrie, co-host of the Today show, recently opened up about her experience recovering from vocal surgery, during which her children, Vale and Charley, expressed their relief at her return to speaking. The 54-year-old broadcaster had stepped back from her duties on the show due to the removal of nodules on her vocal cords and a polyp, which necessitated a period of silence as part of her recuperation.
In a humorous post shared on her Instagram Stories, Guthrie illustrated the challenges of her “silent routine,” revealing a doodle of a woman frowning under a speech bubble that read, “I can’t talk!” She captioned the image, “Kids are so over the silent routine (And so am I).” Her son Charley, 8, added a playful touch to the situation by laughing and doodling over the whiteboard, showcasing the lighthearted atmosphere at home during her recovery.
Following her vocal rest, Guthrie made an exciting return to the airwaves on January 20, where she showcased her newly adjusted voice. During a segment of the Today show, she began by using the whiteboard but quickly transitioned to speaking, stating, “I think it’d be easier for me to just talk!” Though she was still under vocal rest guidelines, which allowed her to speak for short intervals, the support of her co-workers was evident, with Al Roker commenting that she sounded the same, while Craig Melvin noted significant improvement.
Guthrie reflected positively on her journey so far, informing viewers, “I think the good news is that it worked!” She also mentioned her approach to the recovery process and the importance of moderation in her speaking to avoid straining her voice too much.
As for her children, the joys of having their mother back in conversation are met with a playful adjustment period. Charley humorously quipped that her new voice resembles that of a “good-sounding duck,” indicating that while they are glad she can talk again, they are still getting used to her latest vocal change.
This journey illustrates not just the physical challenges that come with vocal recovery, but also the emotional and familial nuances encountered along the way. As Guthrie continues to recuperate, there is a sense of optimism around her voice returning to its familiar tone, much to the delight of her family and fans alike.