Craig Melvin will anchor the ‘Today’ show, replacing Hoda Kotb

On By Littum

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Hoda Kotb has shared her last day on “Today” – and her replacement.

The longtime anchor said she would mark her farewell from the NBC show on Jan. 10. “It’s going to be the party day, so we’re going to have a party,” Kotb said.

Kotb shared the news of her exit live on the NBC show in late September, describing the decision as the “hardest thing in the world.” She said turning 60 over the summer was a “monumental” moment for her that got her thinking about the decade ahead.

Hoda Kotb on wellness and the ‘whisper’ that led to the ‘Today’ exit: ‘Have you done it all?’

Who is replacing Hoda Kotb on the ‘Today’ show?

“Today” also announced “Today Third Hour” host Craig Melvin will take the helm as Kotb’s replacement as co-anchor with Savannah Guthrie.

“I’m beyond excited and grateful,” Melvin said. “I wanted to thank NBC and the people here who deemed me worthy. . . . I’ve enjoyed a lifetime of nothing but blessings, and this is just the latest in a long line of blessings.”

“You are the sisters I never knew I needed,” Melvin said. “It means a lot to inherit this from you.”

Melvin has been with NBC and MSNBC since 2011, joining as an MSNBC Live anchor through 2022 and an NBC News correspondent since 2012. The Emmy-winning journalist is also a “Dateline” anchor and has been with “Today” since 2018.

Melvin thanked his parents, who he said have overcome many obstacles, the “Today” crew, his wife and children. He has been married to sports anchor and reporter Lindsay Czarniak since 2011, and they share two children, Sybil and Delano.

“I’m just so thankful for her,” Melvin said. “It’s a lot of long days and short nights, and she’s been there for me from the beginning.”

“Craig, you were made for this job,” Hotb said. “You’re that good. You have all the things that this job needs. You’re the right person for it.”

Longtime “Today” show weatherman Al Roker also appeared via video to congratulate Melvin on the new role. “I knew this day would come. I’ve seen you grow. I’ve seen you as a journalist, but more importantly, I’ve seen you as a father,” he said. “You are so worthy of this. I am almost at a loss for words.”

Melvin will begin his role on Jan. 13 and will continue to co-anchor the “Today Third Hour.”

This story is in development.

Cast: Brendan Morrow and Anika Reed