Craig Melvin's Moment of Realization on the 'Today' Show
During an episode of Today, veteran newscaster Craig Melvin had a small but endearing moment on-air after Hoda Kotb's departure from the show. On the morning of January 31, while taking on his anchor duties, Craig accidentally referred to the show as "Today With Hoda & Jenna." The slip of the tongue was quickly corrected, but it highlighted just how ingrained Hoda's presence had been during her tenure on the show.
Adjusting to Change: Craig Melvin’s Quick Correction
Craig, who is 45, quickly caught himself mid-sentence. With a chuckle, he said, "Oops, force of habit, Jenna & Friends." The fourth hour of the Today show has officially been renamed Today With Jenna & Friends, and Jenna Bush Hager has been doing an outstanding job welcoming celebrity guest cohosts ever since Hoda Kotb stepped down from her role.
Hoda Kotb’s Decision to Move On
Hoda Kotb’s decision to leave the Today show came as a shock to many fans, but they were also thrilled for her as she embarks on this new chapter of her life. With daughters Haley and Hope, Hoda is focusing on what truly matters to her right now. In a candid interview with Marie Claire last month, Hoda opened up about her thought process behind stepping away from the show.
Read also:Hoda Kotbs New Journey Begins Her First Big Project Posttoday Show
"It was something that was nestled in the way-back of my mind, and especially with my kids and the ages they are, I thought about it on days that were long or days that I missed things," Hoda revealed. "When you’re in love with something, it’s like, why would you ever break up with someone you’re in love with? It doesn’t make any sense to do that. But I realized that there are phases of life, and the Today show and NBC has been my longest relationship of any I’ve ever had. I wanted to see what kind of possibilities were available to me beyond this incredible job."
A Turning Point: Hoda’s 60th Birthday
Hoda said that her 60th birthday on August 9, 2024, was the pivotal moment that made her realize it was time to leave the show. "It was like a rocket ship. I looked outside, I looked out at the plaza, and I just knew," the mom of two explained. "This is the mountaintop. This is the top of the wave. I’ve reached the pinnacle. And I just knew. I thought to myself, It’s time for the next wave, whatever it is."
Looking Forward: Jenna Bush Hager and the New Format
Craig Melvin has been named as Hoda’s replacement in the show’s early morning hours next to Savannah Guthrie. However, a permanent fourth-hour cohost is yet to be announced. Jenna Bush Hager, 43, has been leading the fourth hour exceptionally well, sitting alongside guest cohosts like Wynonna Judd, Ciara, Scarlett Johansson, and many more in each episode.
“It’s just wild — just the fact that these A-list stars who could be doing anything want to be sitting on our set is a testament to the show and to what we’ve built,” Jenna reflected on the show’s new format. Even though Hoda is no longer part of the Today crew, Jenna’s got a great team of people backing her before she heads out onto the stage each day.
“Now, there’s this trepidation — ‘I’m doing this show by myself.’ But I’m not doing it alone,” the former first daughter said. “We have this incredible team. And I honestly mean that, and I’m going to need them.”
