Hoda Kotb revealed that she won’t be watching Craig Melvin take her place on the “Today” show when he officially takes over his new role on Monday.
The beloved broadcaster, 60, is wrapping up her final episode after nearly three decades at the network, passing the baton to Craig, 45, who will co-host alongside Savannah Guthrie from January 13.
But as her successor prepares for the big day, Hoda explained that she will be taking a much-needed rest instead.
Speaking directly to Craig during Friday’s show, she couldn’t resist making a cheeky confession. “Craig, I’m so happy for you. You deserved this. You have it,” she said warmly. Then she added with a cheerful smile: “And when Monday comes at 7:00 AM, I will be sound asleep.”
The studio erupted in laughter at her blunt response, and Craig smiled when she quickly reassured him: “You’ll be great. You’ll bring him home!”
Hoda then pulled Craig and Savannah in for a heartfelt group hug, sharing how much she believes in them as a team. “Craig, you’re going to be so good. You and Savannah are going to be magical.”
In a touching, pre-recorded tribute, Craig expressed his deep appreciation for Hoda and her unwavering support throughout his transition into this role.
“The kindness and generosity she showed so quickly, ‘You’ve got this, you’ll be good at this,’ I’ll never forget,” he said, visibly moved by her encouragement.
© Getty ImagesLast November, it was officially announced that Craig — who has been part of NBC News for nearly 14 years — would take over the coveted co-anchor position.
Reflecting on his professional achievement, he could not hide his enthusiasm. “I’m so excited and grateful. This is the latest in a long line of blessings,” he said at the time.
Craig’s appointment has been met with widespread enthusiasm, not only from viewers but from colleagues who believe he is the right person for the role.
© Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty ISavannah shared how the Today team reacted when the news was revealed behind the scenes. “More employees found out this morning, and people burst into applause,” she said live. “This is one of the most popular decisions NBC News has ever made. Congratulations.”
Dylan Dreyer also expressed her happiness at seeing Craig take up this position, describing it as a moment of true celebration. “Right now, we’re all so close, so it’s like seeing my brother get this promotion, and you can’t help but be happy for him,” she told DailyMail.com, confirming that the excitement among their colleagues was completely sincere.
“It’s not false happiness,” she continued. “I know him as a person, and this makes a lot of sense. I’ve never seen anything make more sense than that.”