Craig Melvin's debut as co-anchor of Today proved to be an emotional one. On Monday, January 13, the 45-year-old broadcast journalist — who began his first day in his new gig — received a video message and a handwritten letter from his predecessor, Hoda Kotb, whose last day was Friday, January 10.

Craig Melvin made his debut co-anchoring the 'Today' show with Savannah Guthrie on Monday, Jan. 13, after taking over the role from Hoda Kotb.

Craig Melvin shined during his first day on the job as Hoda Kotb’s replacement on Today on Monday. The NBC personality sat next to Savannah Guthrie at the news desk to welcome viewers to the program during the first episode since Hoda’s departure.

After Hoda Kotb exited the NBC morning show on Friday, Jan. 10, Craig Melvin took over her co-anchor spot on Monday, Jan. 13. His co-anchor Savannah Guthrie offered her support as did weatherman Al Roker. But it was Carson Daly who couldn’t help but joke about the new head anchor.

Three days after Hoda Kotb said her final goodbye, Craig Melvin celebrated his first day in his new role as co-anchor of Today alongside Savannah Guthrie.

When Craig Melvin was announced as Hoda Kotb's replacement on the Today show for 2025, coanchor Savannah Guthrie and the entire NBC family were quick to celebrate the news. At the time, Kotb herself told Melvin - who has worked for NBC since 2011 and joined Today as a weekday news anchor in 2018 - he

During Monday's show, his "Today" co-hosts celebrated Melvin's new role with an emotional tribute and some big surprises.