Veteran “Squawk Box” co-host Joe Kernen addressed why he has been missing from the CNBC morning program on Wednesday, weeks after his last appearance.

Kernen, who has been a staple of the show since 1995, took to X on Wednesday to clarify the situation after some viewers expressed concern for the 69-year-old anchor.

“Hope Joe Kernen is alright,” wrote fan Pat Riley in an X post. “We need him back on Squawk Box asap.”

While some acknowledged his absence, others noted they weren’t particularly affected.

“Thanks for your concern!” Kernen responded in his post. “I had my gallbladder removed last Wednesday. I’m recovering as fast as I can! Will be back soon.” In replies to his post, he mentioned that on Monday his doctor “yanked” out the tube.

During his absence, Kernen’s fellow co-hosts Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin have taken the reins of the show. Other CNBC reporters and anchors have stepped in as well. “Squawk Box” airs every weekday from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. ET on CNBC.

What is CNBC’s ‘Squawk Box’?

“Squawk Box” is a morning show on CNBC that made its debut in 1995. As described online, it serves as the “ultimate pre-market morning news and talk program, where influential figures from business and politics share their key insights.”

The program, known as “Wall Street to Main Street,” is hosted by Kernen, Quick, and Sorkin. The show is deemed essential viewing for everyone ranging from professional traders to casual investors, according to its description.

This story has been updated to correct an error.