Here’s The Real Reason Savannah Guthrie Announced Time Off From The ‘Today’ Show: ‘Much-Needed’ Rest

Savannah Guthrie‘s fans have eagerly been awaiting her return to The Today Show since it was announced that she would be taking time off to relax from long work hours and shifts. With the help of Guthrie’s (and a co-worker’s) social media accounts, viewers were able to see the newscaster’s whereabouts last week.

Last Tuesday, fans noticed that the broadcaster was noticeably absent from the show, and co-anchor Hoda Kotb addressed her reasons for taking time off. “It’s Tuesday morning, we’re so happy you’re starting with us,” Kotb said, “Savannah is taking this week off for much-needed R and R.” Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones joined Kotb in the meantime, while Jenna Bush Hager was also absent that week, with Kelly Rowland serving in her spot as the celebrity co-host for Monday-Wednesday.

Guthrie, 50, was tagged in an Instagram story and pictured celebrating her 8-year wedding anniversary in the Bahamas with her husband, communications consultant, Mike Feldman and kids Vale, 7, and Charles, 5. Fans were happily surprised to see that Guthrie’s friend and colleague, Hager uploaded the story and also attended the same beachy getaway with her husband, businessman Henry Hager, and children Margaret “Mila,” 8, Poppy, 6, and Hal, 2.

While Guthrie didn’t mention that she would be away from Today for a little while, her Instagram followers began to notice that she was playfully dropping hints online. On March 11th (the Friday before she left), Guthrie posted two photos of herself— one facing forward with her OOTD on the show set and another of her walking away. “Hiiiii byeeeee #Friday,” she captioned the pics. Meanwhile, on Twitter, fans were trying to figure out where Guthrie might have been headed after she wrote a message thanking United Airlines the next day. Well, now we know!

Guthrie recently announced that she will star in the “Starting from Scratch,” segment, in which she will pursue cooking and learn how to make new dishes, so it makes sense that the very busy and hardworking journalist would need some rest and time with family to recuperate. She is set to return to Today on March 21st and as usual, fans can’t wait to see her enthusiasm and infectious energy light up their screens.