Hoda Kotb put her writing skills to good use before leaving TODAY by writing a letter to her successor.

Before Hoda’s last day on Jan. 10, she wrote a heartfelt poem to Craig Melvin for him to read while he takes over co-anchoring TODAY alongside Savannah Guthrie on Jan. 13.

Hoda’s message was full of words of wisdom for his first day in his new role.

“Craig-or!” Hoda said in a recorded message. “It’s your first day. How does it feel? Number one, I’m so proud of you and I wanted to tell you how proud I am of you because number one, you’re going to be amazing.”

Hoda said she would keep the letter “in a secret hiding place” for Craig to open on his first day as co-host. According to Hoda, Savannah knew where the secret hideout was. “So just ask her,” she said.

“Go get her, Craig. You got this!” Hoda concluded.

What Hoda Kotb’s letter to Craig Melvin said

Craig!

I’m moving forward, so put your hand back.

Grab the baton, your world will expand.

The adventures are endless… the people are so lovely.

Great memories await you year after year.

Day one! You are ready, surrounded by love.

Your team is the kind you can only dream of.

Savannah, Al and Carson are here!

With partners like these you have free rein.

From outside the square to inside 30 Rock,

Her fans are so excited that they look at the clock.

The time has come to rise like the sun.

I’m cheering you on and wish you a great run!

XOXO

Hoda