
Craig Melvin reflects on Hoda Hotb's unexpected decision to exit the 'Today' show, recalling she personally told him that she wanted to leave while she was 'on top' of her game.
- Jan 19, 2025
AceShowbiz - Craig Melvin, who takes over Hoda Kotb's co-anchor position on "Today" show, shared his initial shock and disbelief when Kotb broke the news. "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, 45, recalled in an interview with Parade magazine. "She came in, and she said, 'I just wanted to tell you something. I'm leaving.' "
Melvin noted that his "initial reaction was, 'Are you sick? Is everything OK?' I was like, 'Well, no one leaves these jobs on their own.' " Kotb informed him she wanted to leave the show while she was "on top," but he continued to question her.
"I was like, 'Are they forcing you out?' She's like, 'No Craig, I'm OK. I'm leaving,' " he added. "I was legit stunned, so much so that after she left, I went back to her dressing room, and I was like, 'Are you sure you're OK?' It takes a certain kind of courage to leave anything when you're at the height of your game."
Kotb announced her departure in September 2024, explaining that turning 60 and wanting to spend more time with her daughters Haley, 8, and Hope, 5, influenced her decision. Although media reports suggested a possible pay cut for her annual $20 million salary prompted her exit, a senior NBC source denied the rumors and estimated her salary was just at $7-8 million annually.
Two months after her announcement, Melvin was officially named Kotb's successor. "Craig, you were made for this job. You were literally made for this job. You are that kind of good," Kotb praised him on-air in November 2024.
Melvin reflected on the significance of the moment, "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."
During his first day as co-anchor, Melvin read a heartfelt poem from Kotb live on air, which concluded with the lines, "The time has arrived to rise like the sun. I am cheering for you, and a fabulous run! XOXO Hoda."
As Melvin embarks on this new chapter, the "Today" show staff couldn't be more thrilled. "Craig is so awesome, people were cheering when they got the staff email," a source revealed to Us Weekly. The show's fourth hour, previously hosted by Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager, has been retitled as "Today With Jenna & Friends," featuring a rotating lineup of celebrity guest hosts.
The future looks bright for both Melvin and Kotb. Melvin is ready to take on his new role with excitement, while Kotb looks forward to spending more quality time with her family.