Hoda Kotb Praises Craig Melvin as HerTodayCo-Anchor Replacement: 'You Are Made for This Job'

Mar. 15, 2025

Nearly two months afterHoda Kotbannounced her departure from theTodayshow, it’s been revealed thatCraig Melvinwill bestep into her co-anchor rolebeginning in January.

Kotb had nothing but praise for her replacement. “You are made for this job,” Kotb said during the on-air announcement on Nov. 14. “You are literally made for this job. You are that kind of good. You have all the things that this job needs. You’re the right person for it.”

Melvin extended his praise back at Kotb: “It means a lot to inherit this from you. You helped save the show and to be able to sit next to someone who I knew was smart for years and all of a sudden you start working with her and you’re like, ‘Wait a minute, she’s funny too!’ "

From left: Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb.Kristy Sparow/Getty Images

Kristy Sparow/Getty Images

Melvin will co-anchor alongsideSavannah Guthriebeginning on Monday, Jan. 13, following Kotb’s last day on the show, Friday, Jan. 10.

He currently hosts the third hour ofTodayalongsideAl Roker,Sheinelle JonesandDylan Dreyer— and will host three hours in a row in his new role.

Craig Melvin and Hoda Kotb on Sept. 16, 2019.Nathan Congleton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty

Nathan Congleton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty

On Nov. 14, Melvin called both Kotb and Guthrie “sisters that I never knew that I needed.”

“I knew this day would come,” Roker added. “I am so proud and so happy for you right now. You are so worthy of this. I almost don’t have the words. I love you.”

Craig Melvin.Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty

Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty

He shared some of his backstory, praising his father, who he said was born in prison and overcame addiction, as one of “favorite human beings.” He also celebrated his mother who worked a second job and “sacrificed” to provide for his family.

Melvin also thanked his kids, sonDelanoand daughterSybil, and his wifeLindsay Czarniak, a sports broadcaster, for being there for him during the “long days and short nights” working his job. “[Lindsay’s] been there for me from the beginning.”

Al Roker and Craig Melvin.Nathan Congleton/NBC/Getty

Nathan Congleton/NBC/Getty

Before cutting to commercial break he added, “I’ll try not to screw it up!”

Melvinbegan working onTodayin 2018when he was promoted to a weekday news anchor after working on MSNBC and NBC News.

“Craig is a super talented anchor,” a source told PEOPLE when the news was announced. “He’s very well-rounded. He has all the things you want to fill this role.”

A source also told PEOPLE that the fourth hour ofToday, which Kotb currently co-hosts alongsideJenna Bush Hager, will feature a rotating panel of guest co-hosts next year.

“It will beToday with Jenna and Friendsuntil a new host is named,” the source tells PEOPLE, noting that it will also feature “fun surprises.”

Todayairs weekday mornings on NBC (check local listings).

source: people.com