Hoda Kotb’s Today show replacement is unveiled nearly two months after exit announcement

TV host Hoda Kotb has left some big shoes to fill and it’s Craig Melvin’s job to try and fill them.
On Thursday, Craig Melvin, 45, revealed that he will replace Hoda when she waves goodbye to her role on the Today show on January 10.
“Craig Melvin is the new anchor of the Today show!” Savannah Guthrie proudly announced, calling his appointment “one of the most popular decisions NBC News has ever made.”
It was apparent his predecessor, Hoda, approved as she chimed in: “You were made for this job. You have all the things that this job needs. You’re the right person for it.”
Al Roker, for his part, admitted that he didn’t “have the words” but was “so happy” for his colleague.
As for Craig, who said he was “excited and grateful” to take on his new role, he said it “meant a lot to inherit” the role from Hoda as she is “the heart of” the show.
“This is the latest in a long line of blessings,” he gushed before adding: “I talked to Mom and Dad yesterday, and I’m thankful they’re still young enough and healthy enough to be able to see this and enjoy the fruits of their labor.”
Fans were also happy with the network’s choice, with many running to X, formally Twitter, to dish their verdict on Hoda’s replacement.
User @GeraldineBroph5 raved: “Excellent choice!” as @Thameena10 added: “This is very exciting news!”
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A third person @just_papa echoed: “Long overdue. @NBCNews He is the best part of the @TODAYshow. Well done!”
As @ahna1129 seconded: “Congrats Craig. We will miss our Hoda, but you are worthy of that spot.”
Craig’s exciting news came nearly two months after Hoda, 60, announced her unexpected departure to viewers after 26 years with NBC.
“I decided this is the right time for me to kind of move on,” she explained of her decision back in September, adding: “And so, with all that being said, this is the hardest thing in the world.”
“I’m not gonna be here past the first of the year,” the former Dateline correspondent continued before clarifying: “I’m gonna stay in the NBC family, but it’s kind of a big deal for me.”