When Craig Melvin talks about his journey to cohosting NBC’s Today, it’s clear he’s still processing the magnitude of it all. The 45-year-old anchor recently sat down with Moffly Media's Samantha Yanks to share his thoughts on filling the shoes of Hoda Kotb, a role he never thought he'd occupy. He expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity, calling it "the professional honor of a lifetime."
“Let me tell you, there aren’t many institutions left in TV that carry the kind of weight and history that Today does. When I got the call that Hoda was leaving, I couldn’t believe it. I was happy where I was, but then reality hit—this could actually be happening. You know, I grew up watching Today! The idea that I’m now part of it still feels like something out of a dream,” Craig revealed during the interview, published on February 24.
Full Circle Moment for the South Carolina Native
For Craig, joining Today isn’t just a career milestone—it’s a full-circle moment. As a teenager growing up in South Carolina, he scheduled his mornings around the show. "I’d time everything by Today. By 7:55 a.m., I had to be out the door and on my way to school. It’s wild to think about now because back then, I never imagined I’d be sitting in the same seat as some of the legends who shaped my love for broadcasting," he shared with Samantha.
Read also:Behind The Scenes Of The Sound Of Music A Journey Through Filmmaking Challenges And Friendships
This connection to the show runs deep. Craig even had lunch with former Today host Bryant Gumbel a few months ago. "I told him, ‘This is surreal for me.’ It’s one thing to admire a show from afar, but being part of it? That’s next-level stuff," Craig reminisced.
Craig's Journey to Today
Craig joined Today as the news anchor in 2018, quickly proving himself as a valuable addition to the team. By 2019, he was cohosting the third hour of the show, cementing his place among the network’s trusted faces. Despite his success, Craig remains humbled by the impact of the show and its loyal viewers.
“You don’t realize how far-reaching Today is until you experience it yourself. It’s one thing to hear about it, but when someone stops you in Ohio or at an airport in Florida and recalls specific moments from the show—like seeing my mom on camera—it really hits home. Millions of people are tuning in every morning, and that’s incredible,” he explained.
Craig officially stepped into Hoda’s role on January 13, following her final telecast on January 10. Hoda, who announced her departure in September 2024, decided to leave the show to focus more on her family, particularly her young daughters Haley Joy and Hope Catherine.
A Surprising Decision: Hoda's Departure
When Hoda first broke the news to Craig, he was genuinely taken aback. "I remember the day vividly. She knocked on my dressing room door, which was unusual. She came in and said, ‘I’m leaving.’ My immediate reaction? ‘Are you sick? Is everything okay?’ I couldn’t fathom why anyone would willingly walk away from such a prestigious role," Craig recalled in an interview with Parade.
Hoda reassured him, explaining that she wanted to leave while she was at the top of her game. "She said, ‘It’s time. I want to leave on top.’ I was still stunned, so much so that after she left, I went back to her dressing room to double-check. It takes real courage to step away when you’re at the height of your career," Craig admitted.
Read also:Savannah Guthrie And Hoda Kotb Reunite On Vacation A Heartwarming Encounter
Hoda echoed similar sentiments when she announced her decision. "Having kids later in life, I realized they deserve more of my time. They’re my priority now, and I want to give them the attention they deserve," she said, referring to her daughters, whom she adopted in 2017 and 2019.
A Smooth Transition with Savannah Guthrie
Craig’s transition into his new role has been made smoother thanks to his longstanding friendship with Today cohost Savannah Guthrie. The two have known each other since their days working in Washington, D.C., during the late 2000s. “Savannah and I have been friends for years. Our kids have hung out, and so have we. There’s no need to fake it—we’re genuine. The audience can spot forced chemistry a mile away, but ours is real. I’m thrilled to be on this journey with my sister,” Craig told Parade.
With his roots firmly planted in Today, Craig Melvin is ready to embrace this new chapter with open arms. Whether it’s the memories he’s created or the ones yet to come, he knows he’s part of something truly special.
