Craig Melvin is sharing his heartfelt reaction to the shocking news of his fellow *Today* show anchor, Hoda Kotb, leaving NBC after nearly 30 years.
The announcement, which took both Melvin and the audience by surprise, marks the end of an era for the iconic morning program,
leaving many wondering about the reasons behind Kotb’s decision and how her departure will impact the show.
In an interview with *Parade* magazine, Melvin, 45, recalled the surprising moment Kotb shared her plans with him.
According to Melvin, it was an unexpected knock on his dressing room door that led to the revelation.
“My dressing room is two over from hers, and she knocks on my door one morning, which was unusual.
And she’s like, ‘You have a moment?’” Melvin said, explaining how Kotb, 60, informed him that she was leaving. “She came in, and she said, ‘I just wanted to tell you something. I’m leaving.’”
The news left Melvin stunned, as his immediate reaction was one of concern. “I was like, ‘Are you sick? Is everything OK?’ I was like, ‘Well, no one leaves these jobs on their own.’” Melvin, who has worked alongside Kotb for years, couldn’t initially fathom the idea of her stepping down voluntarily. However, Kotb explained that her decision to leave was a personal one, driven by her desire to step away while still at the top of her game. Despite her reasoning, Melvin remained uncertain. “I was like, ‘Are they forcing you out?’ She’s like, ‘No Craig, I’m OK. I’m leaving,’” Melvin recalled. His disbelief was so strong that he went back to Kotb’s dressing room after their conversation to double-check, asking again, “Are you sure you’re OK?”
Kotb’s departure from *Today* was officially announced in September 2024, with her final day on the show scheduled for January 2025. The news came as a surprise to many, particularly considering Kotb’s long-standing success with NBC and her massive popularity among *Today* fans. While reports surfaced that NBC had offered Kotb a pay cut, some insiders, including Puck News, speculated that she was earning more than $20 million annually at the time of her exit. However, other sources put her salary closer to $7-8 million. Ultimately, Kotb revealed that the decision was not financially motivated but rather a personal one. As she turned 60, Kotb felt the need to spend more time with her young daughters, Haley and Hope, who are 8 and 5, respectively. This desire for more family time played a pivotal role in her decision to step down.
In a moving moment during the *Today* show, Kotb expressed her confidence in Melvin’s ability to fill her shoes. “Craig, you were made for this job. You were literally made for this job. You are that kind of good,” Kotb told Melvin during a November 2024 broadcast. She praised his skills and assured him that he was the perfect fit to co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie, who has been with *Today* for years. Kotb’s words of encouragement meant a great deal to Melvin, who responded with heartfelt gratitude. “It means a lot to inherit this from you. You’ve been the heart of this place for a long time. You helped save this show,” Melvin said, acknowledging Kotb’s significant contribution to *Today* over the years.
Melvin’s new co-anchor role alongside Guthrie began in January 2025, and he expressed excitement about the opportunity. “Outside of getting married and having my kids, I don’t know if I’ve ever been more excited about something,” Melvin shared, noting that he was deeply honored to take on the position. His personal life, which includes his wife Lindsay Czarniak and their two children, son Delano, 10, and daughter Sybil, 8, is a central source of joy and fulfillment for Melvin. Yet, this new chapter in his professional life is one that he holds in equally high regard.
On the day of his first broadcast as co-anchor, Kotb surprised Melvin with a heartfelt gesture: a poem that she had written for him. During the show, Melvin read the poem aloud on air, visibly moved by her thoughtful words. The touching moment encapsulated the strong bond that the two anchors share, reflecting the mutual respect and admiration between them.
Kotb’s departure from *Today* marks the end of a significant chapter for NBC and for the millions of viewers who have tuned in to watch her anchor the show for nearly three decades. While her absence will undoubtedly be felt, Melvin’s new role is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the show, with his natural warmth and professionalism fitting seamlessly into the *Today* team. As Kotb embarks on this new phase of her life, her colleagues, including Melvin, have expressed nothing but support and admiration for her decision to prioritize family and personal well-being.
As Kotb begins her next chapter, it’s clear that her legacy on *Today* will be lasting, and Melvin’s leadership alongside Guthrie ensures that the show will continue to thrive in the years to come.
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