Sophia Michaels
NBC’s “Today” has been a staple of American television since its debut in 1952, marking the launch of the first national live morning program. Over the years, it has celebrated numerous beloved hosts such as Dave Garroway, Hugh Downs, Barbara Walters, Katie Couric, and most recently Hoda Kotb. Following Kotb’s exit after seven years as co-host, the show’s lineup has seen significant changes.
As of early 2025, the main anchors include Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin during weekdays, complemented by Al Roker, Carson Daly, Sheinelle Jones, Dylan Dreyer, and Jenna Bush Hager. On weekends, Peter Alexander, Laura Jarrett, and Willie Geist take over. Despite their cheerful on-screen personas, many of the show’s regulars have faced personal hardships, including loss and tragedy.
Savannah Guthrie’s Eye Injury
In 2019, Savannah Guthrie experienced a shocking eye injury when her young son accidentally struck her eye with a toy train, causing a torn retina. This injury temporarily impaired her vision, necessitating a break from her hosting duties.
Guthrie recounted the incident during a live call, explaining, “It was so blurry from — not to get too gross — but there was so much blood inside the eye that it completely blocked my vision.” With humor, she noted that her son, being just two, did not understand the gravity of his actions and didn’t want him to feel bad.
Despite her initial expectations for a swift recovery, Guthrie endured a challenging journey, undergoing three surgeries over 18 months while also developing cataracts. In a light-hearted take, she mentioned that her son still plays with the “weapon” train, humorously noting, “I probably should have tossed it, but he loves that train.”
Savannah Guthrie’s COVID-19 Struggles
In February 2023, following Savannah Guthrie’s early departure from the show due to a positive COVID-19 test, Sheinelle Jones informed viewers about the situation. This marked the third time Guthrie had contracted the virus within a span of just over a year, having previously needed time off in early 2022 and again a few months later after a close colleague also tested positive.
While Jones expressed her support for Guthrie’s recovery, media personality Megyn Kelly voiced criticism on her podcast, questioning the need for continued testing for COVID-19 at that stage, suggesting it was indicative of an overly cautious approach.
Craig Melvin’s Loss
In 2023, Craig Melvin hosted the Bottom’s Up Invitational, a charity golf event aimed at increasing awareness and funding for colon cancer. This cause is deeply personal for him, as he lost his brother, Lawrence Meadows, to the disease in 2020 after a prolonged struggle. Melvin expressed his belief that Lawrence’s death might have been preventable if he had received earlier screenings. “Had Lawrence gotten checked earlier, he might still be with us,” he shared with People. He noted the lack of knowledge about their family’s medical history, which led to missed warning signs.
Melvin, who took over as the main co-anchor from Hoda Kotb in 2025, recounted how Meadows showed symptoms like sudden weight loss and abdominal pain before seeking medical help. He emphasized the importance of turning negative experiences into positive actions, which motivated his involvement with the charity event that saw notable participants like singer Darius Rucker and “The Voice” contestant Ray Boudreaux.
