Craig Melvin and Hoda Kotb
John Lambarski/Getty ImagesHoda Kotb She celebrates her new chapter after the final today Show appearance.
The 60-year-old broadcaster took to social media on Monday, January 13, with a positive message about starting over. “And suddenly, you know… it's time to start something new and trust in the magic of new beginnings,” read the quote she shared. Instagram He feeds.
Kotb added in the caption: “Here's to everyone starting over — @craigmelvinnbc and @savannahguthrie… @jennabushager and friends.. and me! Let's do this!”
The screaming came as Craig Melvin willing to Steps in as a substitute for Pole On the NBC morning show. Kotb announced in September 2024 that she would be leaving the series after nearly 30 years with the network. Melvin's new role was confirmed two months later.
“I of course want to thank NBC and the people here who deemed me worthy,” Melvin, 45, said at the time, noting that he felt “more excited and grateful” for the new opportunity. “I have enjoyed a lifetime of blessings, and this is the latest in a long line of blessings.”
Kotb assured her colleague that he was “made for this job,” adding: “You are a good type.” You have all the things this job needs. You are the right person for this.”
After months of buildup, the mogul has officially said goodbye to today Show on Friday, January 10, and concludes with: “Huda-Breation” for a week In her honor. She became emotional while praising her hosts, incl Savannah GuthrieHe wished Melvin well on his new journey.
“Savannah, oh my God. You're my person, you're my person. You know who shows up to everyone? This girl. She's in the room, she's always in the room, and I love you,” she said in a gushing voice. “Craig, I'm so happy for you. I've earned this, you've earned this, and come Monday at 7 a.m., I'll be sound asleep. But you'll be great. You will bring it home. Craig, you're going to be very good. You and Savannah are going to be magical.
Craig Melvin is following in the legendary footsteps of Hoda Kotb, and today's cast and crew couldn't be happier for him. “Craig is so cool, people were cheering when they received the staff email,” a source exclusively told Us Weekly. “He's the best – everyone is so excited about him.” A second source adds: “He (…)
During Monday's episode, Kotb sent a video message to Melvin to celebrate his new role. She wrote him a letter that was read on air after Guthrie found her hiding in the studio. Melvin was overcome with emotion as his family supported him at the broadcast.
Kotb previously explained that her departure from… today The show is inspired by her daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5. She detailed her decision in a letter shared on Today.com last fall.
Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie, and Hoda Kotb.
Nathan Congleton/NBC“I've been weighing this decision for a long time – am I really ready?” I wrote. “But celebrating my 60th birthday at the Plaza was transformative. Like a huge, joyous yes, you! I saw it all clearly: my radio career was meaningless, a new decade of my life lay ahead of me, and now my daughters and my mother needed and deserved a bigger slice of my time pie.” I will miss you all terribly, but I am ready and excited.
Kotb added at the time that she planned to remain “part of the NBC family,” calling her time at the network “the longest working relationship I've ever been fortunate enough to hold close to my heart.”
With Melvin filling her shoes on the morning show and Rotating list of guest hosts Join Jenna Bush Hager on Today with Jenna and friendsKotb is ready to sit back and relax — she even turns off her alarms early in the morning.
“No alarm…whaaaaaattttt???” she teased crossly Instagram on Sunday, January 12, before its first day off air.
