Where is Hoda Kotb? Craig Melvin's new job at "Today" begins

Hoda Kotb has left the 30 Rock building and NBC host Craig Melvin is her replacement.

Melvin, a network mainstay, will anchor the NBC morning show alongside longtime “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie in a shift that began Monday.

Melvin began his new role by telling the audience how grateful and excited he was to sit in the anchor chair.

“You have sat there so many times, but this morning is special. Let’s go, it’s going to be a beautiful ride,” Guthrie said to Craig.

“And there’s no one I’d rather ride with than you, so let’s do this,” Melvin said.

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In a tribute video narrated by Guthrie, the network chronicled Melvin’s rise to the role.

“Craig’s best stories remind us that life’s best moments often come with a dose of laughter,” Guthrie said over footage from Melvin’s years of reporting.

Melvin has worked at NBC and MSNBC since 2011, where he worked as an MSNBC Live anchor until 2022 and has been an NBC News correspondent since 2012. The Emmy-winning journalist is also a “Dateline” host and has been on “Today” since 2018.

Hoda Kotb makes a surprise appearance on the “Today” show

Kotb chimed in on social media, posting a screenshot on Instagram of her previous alarms for 3:00, 3:15, and 3:30, which were turned off. “No alarm…whaaaaaaaattttt???” she captioned the post.

She also joined the show via video message, wishing Melvin a nice first day and revealing that she had left him a letter hidden in the office.

Melvin’s family also surprised the new host. His wife and parents both gave words of encouragement that brought him to tears.

“He’s a great father and deserves to be here,” said Melvin’s son Delando.

Who are the hosts of the “Today” show?

Craig Melvin and Savannah Guthrie co-host the morning show.

Jenna Bush Hager, who has hosted the fourth episode of the “Today” show (also known as “Hoda & Jenna”) alongside Kotb since 2019, announced on Tuesday that actress Scarlett Johansson will be taking over as host, according to Hager’s interview with People Magazine will take over as moderator. As part of a new approach following Kotb’s exit, Johansson is just one in a carousel of celebrities who will guest host the show.

When was Craig Melvin chosen as Hoda’s replacement?

On November 14, Craig was announced by NBC as Kotb’s successor. During an on-air message, Melvin thanked his parents, who he said have overcome many obstacles, the “Today” crew, his wife and his children. He has been married to sports anchor and reporter Lindsay Czarniak since 2011 and they have two children together, Sybil and Delano.

Craig Melvin replaces Hoda Kotbas co-host of the “Today” show with Savannah Guthrie

“I’m just so grateful for her,” Melvin said of his wife. “It’s a lot of long days and short nights, and she’s been there for me from the beginning.” During the Nov. 14 announcement episode, Kotb praised her successor.

“Craig, you were made for this job,” Hotb said. “You are so good. You have everything this job needs. You’re the right person for it.” Al Roker, the “Today” show’s longtime weatherman, also appeared via video to congratulate Melvin on the new role. “I knew this day would come. I’ve watched you grow. I saw you as a journalist, but more importantly, I saw you as a father,” he said. “You are so worthy of this. I’m almost at a loss for words.”

Craig Melvin previously praised Hoda Kotb before his exit

Melvin and Guthrie both praised Kotb before her exit from the popular morning show on Friday.

In a video tribute to Kotb, Today looked back on her time on the show, covering her interviews, costume pieces and heartfelt surprises for fans.

“If I don’t do this interview, does that mean she’s not going?” Guthrie joked on camera, recalling that the two needed a makeup artist to come over for touch-ups after their off-camera conversations became emotional.

“She’s so special it’s hard to describe,” Guthrie said. The two shared another tearful moment after the video ended.

“Hoda doesn’t do interviews, she does conversations,” Melvin said.

Contributor: Anna Kaufman

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Where is Hoda Kotb? Craig Melvin’s new job at “Today” begins

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