Al Roker and Others Respond to Craig Melvin Taking Over for Hoda Kotb
Craig Melvin is receiving heartfelt support from his Today family as he prepares to step into the role of co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie, following Hoda Kotb's retirement in January.
During the November 14 show, Savannah shared that when the staff learned about Craig’s new position, they broke into applause. “This is one of the most popular decisions NBC News has ever made,” she noted while sitting with Craig, Hoda, Jenna Bush Hager, Carson Daly, and Sheinelle Jones.
Hoda expressed her excitement about Craig taking on this role, saying, “You were made for this job. You have all the things that this job needs; you’re the right person for it.”
Although Al Roker was not present in person, he joined the celebration through a video call. He reminisced about their early days together when Craig was anxious about joining Today. Al had confidence in him from the start.
"I am so proud and so happy for you right now because you are so worthy of this. I almost don't have the words." — @AlRoker to @CraigMelvin.
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) November 14, 2024
Melvin will become co-anchor of TODAY alongside Savannah Guthrie in 2025. pic.twitter.com/3J9O1n7tcD
Caught up in emotion and gifted a box of tissues, Craig thanked his colleagues sincerely. “I want people to know,” he said to his co-hosts, “I didn’t have sisters, but you guys are the sisters that I never knew I needed.”
Addressing Hoda directly, he added how significant it is for him to follow in her footsteps: “It means a lot to inherit this from you. You have been the heart of this place for a long time. You saved the show.”
In an attempt to reassure everyone that he would handle his new responsibilities well, Craig humorously quipped, “I’ll try not to screw it up.”
Earlier in September, Hoda announced her decision to step away from Today, wanting to focus on her daughters Haley and Hope. "You only get one ride," she explained in October. "You only got one life, right? You're the chooser."