From Co-Hosting to Marriage: Craig Melvin's Journey
When Craig Melvin stepped into the role of co-host on the iconic "Today" show after Hoda Kotb's departure, it marked a significant milestone in his career. But as he shared with People in a candid interview on January 15, nothing compares to the joy and fulfillment he feels from his personal life, especially marrying his wife, Lindsay Czarniak. "The best thing that’s ever happened to me personally and professionally is marrying Lindsay Czarniak," said Craig, now 45. "She doesn’t just get me as a person, as a husband — she understands the business inside and out."
A Love Story That Began on the Airwaves
Craig's journey with Lindsay began in 2008 when he took a weekend anchor job at Washington D.C.'s NBC affiliate, WRC-TV. Fate brought them together as Lindsay, then 47, was a sports reporter at the station. Over time, their professional connection blossomed into a deep, loving relationship. The couple tied the knot on October 15, 2011, marking the start of a beautiful chapter in their lives. Lindsay, an Emmy-winning sports reporter and anchor, has carved out her own impressive career path, working with prestigious networks like ESPN and Fox Sports. Her expertise spans from covering NASCAR races to analyzing NFL games, making her a respected figure in the sports world.
Growing a Family Together
Family life for Craig and Lindsay expanded with the arrival of their first child, son Delano, on March 10, 2014. Lindsay surprised everyone by announcing her second pregnancy during a live "Sportscenter" telecast in Cleveland, Ohio, just ahead of the NBA finals in June 2016. Their daughter, Sybil, was born on November 5, 2016, completing their family circle. Craig cherishes these moments, often reflecting on how much his family means to him. "There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing my kids grow up and knowing that I have someone like Lindsay by my side through it all," he expressed in heartfelt conversations.
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Taking the Helm of "Today": A New Chapter
Craig admits to feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as he stepped into Hoda's shoes. "I’m nervous. The show is a beloved national institution that has been around for about 73 years. No one wants to be the person who’s at the helm of the ship when the ship finds ice," he confessed. Yet, he's also incredibly excited about the opportunity. "I’ve never done this before. I’m anxious, but at the same time, it’s the first time I’ve been this excited about anything outside the day I got married and the birth of my two children. I am beyond stoked," he enthusiastically told the publication.
Craig's first day as the cohost of "Today" was an emotional one, thanks to a surprise visit from his beloved family. In a heartwarming video posted on "Today's" official Instagram account on January 13, Craig sat next to his cohosts on the studio couch when Lindsay, Delano, now 10, Sybil, 8, his parents Lawrence and Betty Jo, and brother Ryan walked out onto the stage. Lindsay gave her husband a kiss before hugging the other cohosts, whom she's grown close to since Craig joined the third hour of "Today" in 2018.
"When I left this morning, you were all in bed!" a stunned Craig told his family, while Lindsay playfully replied, "We faked it." Delano dressed up like his dad, sporting a suit with a microphone clipped to the lapel. "Oh, you got a microphone, buddy," Craig marveled as his son proudly replied, "I’m professional!" Delano showered his dad with praise, saying, "He’s a great dad, and he deserves to be here today." Sybil also expressed her admiration for her dad by reading aloud a note she wrote, sharing how much she loves playing with him, having tickle fights, and watching TV shows together.
A New Era for "Today"
Craig was announced as the new "Today" cohost alongside Savannah Guthrie in November 2024, following Hoda Kotb's decision to leave the show after 17 years to focus more on her family. Hoda's last day with the show was on January 10. "I am beyond excited and grateful," Craig expressed at the time of the announcement. "I’ve had a lot of conversations yesterday with a lot of people who mean a lot to me, and I just wanted to obviously thank NBC and the folks here who have deemed me worthy. I’ve enjoyed just a lifetime of blessings and this is the latest in a long line of blessings."
