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Craig Melvin replaces Hoda Kotb on the ‘Today’ Show
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Craig Melvin replaces Hoda Kotb on the ‘Today’ Show

“Today” has found its replacement for Hoda Kotb.

Craig Melvin takes over Kotb’s role on the NBC daytime program.

Kotb, 60, shared the news Thursday morning, while also confirming that her last day on the show will be Friday, January 10.

“I am beyond excited and grateful,” said Melvin, 45. “This is the latest in a long line of blessings.”


Hoda Kotb
Hoda Kotb.

Kotb co-anchored the first two hours of “Today” with Savannah Guthrie, 52.

She also co-hosts the 10 a.m. show “Today with Hoda and Jenna” alongside Jenna Bush Hager, 42. She previously co-hosted the show with Kathie Lee Gifford from 2008 until Gifford’s departure in 2019.

A source told People that Bush Hager will have rotating guest hosts during the show’s fourth hour.

“It will be Today with Jenna and Friends until a new host is named,” the source shared. “It will be a full rotation of people. Some expected, some are already in the family and some unexpected. They don’t know where it will land,” the source said.

Melvin became a host of ‘Today’ in August 2018. Five months later, he was named permanent co-host on the show’s third hour, alongside Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones and Dylan Dreyer.


Craig Melvin
Craig Melvin. FilmMagic

Kotb announced her departure from “Today” in September after 26 years.

She personally shared the news with her co-hosts, including Melvin and Bush Hager.

“I worked at NBC for 26 years,” she said. “I just turned 60 and it was such a monumental moment for me because I started thinking about that decade. I realized that at age 60 it was time for me to turn the page and try something new.”

“I decided now is the right time to move on,” Kotb said, adding that she wants to spend more time with her daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5.

In a letter to “Today” staff, Kotb said: “I have been considering this decision for some time – am I really ready? But my sixtieth birthday at the Plaza felt like a change. Like a huge, joyful YES, you are! I saw it all so clearly: my broadcasting career has been beyond meaningful, a new decade of my life lies ahead, and now my daughters and my mother need and deserve a bigger share of my time.”

“I will miss you all desperately, but I am ready and excited,” she added.

In an interview with E! News last month, Kotb opened up about who she would like to replace her on “Today.”

The person I want is someone who has nice chemistry with Jenna (Bush Hager),” she said. ‘That’s all I want. Because it is never about either anchor point, but about what lies between them. So bring the chemistry.”