Originally published on 11/14/24

Craig Melvin has been officially announced as Hoda Kotb’s replacement on the Today show’s first-hour. He will co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie for the 7 and 8 am hours starting January 13. The news, shared during the November 11 broadcast, comes two months after Kotb revealed she would be stepping down. Here’s everything you need to know about Melvin’s new role, when he starts and what’s next for Kotb after her departure.  

Craig Melvin promoted to ‘Today’ first-hour co-anchor role

While the announcement of Melvin’s promotion happened this week, the anchor reportedly knew about it for some time but held off on announcing the happy news due to the 2024 presidential election. 

“I am beyond excited and grateful,”  Melvin said. “I’ve enjoyed just a lifetime of blessings, and this is the latest in a long line of blessings.”

Melvin has been with Today since 2018 and served as co-anchor of the show’s 3rd hour alongside Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones and Dylan Dreyer. 

“I’m so proud and so happy for [Melvin] right now,” Roker said via video chat. “[He is] so worthy of this. I almost don’t have the words.”

Aside from his duties during the 3rd hour, Melvin has also appeared alongside Savannah Guthrie and Kotb numerous times over the years. 

“He’s a serious journalist, but he’s also good company,” Kotb said, per The New York Times. “Being good company matters at this hour. Being good company when you’re at home having a bowl of cereal and coffee matters.”

Melvin’s new co-host Savannah Guthrie also took the time to praise him saying “He’s the classic jack-of-all-trades that you really need in this job.” 

“He can do hard news, he can do the fun stuff, and doesn’t take himself too seriously.” 

Melvin will start appearing on the first hour of Today on Monday, January 13, three days after Kotb’s departure. He is also expected to continue serving as co-host for the broadcast’s 3rd hour. 

Hoda Kotb’s departure: What’s next for the beloved anchor?

Kotb announced her departure on September 14, and she has continued to serve as a Today show anchor alongside Gutherie since then. She has continued her duties with Jenna Bush Hager on their talk show Today With Hoda & Jenna. 

“I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60 and to try something new,” Kotb said during her departure announcement. “This is a time in life for looking inside you and figuring out what your yearnings are, your callings—where or what direction you’re headed during this new decade.”

As mentioned above, Melvin will take over for her on the show’s first hour, but for Kotb’s show with Bush, the former first daughter will host it alone, but have a revolving door of special guest stars. It will be called Jenna & Friends.

“So, this show is going to be all about friendship,” Bush explained. “We have so many amazing guests and friends and family that are part of the DNA of this show, and they are going to be coming along for the ride.”

Kotb has two kids with her ex-fiancé Joel Schiffman, and while she may be stepping down as anchor, she does still plan to make appearances on the show from time to time.

“I’ll always be a part of the NBC family, and I’m excited about exploring new projects,” she said.

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/celebrities/everything-about-craig-melvin-replacing-hoda-kotb