Craig Melvin Breaks Silence On Hoda Kotb’s ‘Today’ Exit

ByShawn Lealos
Craig Melvin | YouTube

It didn’t take long for NBC to name Hoda Kotb’s replacement when she announced she was leaving The Today Show. While her segment with Jenna Bush Hager remains a rotating chair, Craig Melvin filled her other spots on the show. While it wasn’t a surprise to anyone who followed his career, Craig has revealed what he really thinks about the changover on the morning talk show.

Here is what Melvin had to say about replacing Hoda and what the switch-up has been like on The Today Show.

Craig Melvin Talks Replacing Hoda Kotb On The Today Show

Hoda Kotb has worked as co-host of The Today Show since replacing Matt Lauer. She worked for a total of 17 years on Today, and unlike Lauer, she left because she wanted to move on to other things. While her replacement with Jenna Bush Hager has yet to be named, Craig Melvin was quickly tabbed to replace her in the other segments.

Al Roker, Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Carson Daly. - Hodabration - The Today Show
Al Roker, Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, and Carson Daly. – Hodabration – The Today Show

Craig Melvin has been the new official co-host for almost two months now, and he seems to be fitting in well in his new spot. In a recent interview with Westport Magazine, he opened up about what happened when he learned he was replacing Hoda and how it all went down.

“There are so few truly venerable institutions left in television, and being part of one isn’t something I take lightly,” Craig said about the opportunity. “It’s the professional honor of a lifetime.” He went on to say he never thought he would be the person to get this job, and he was happy with his spot on the show.

However, that all changed when he “got the call that Hoda Kotb was leaving, and I just thought, Wow, this might actually be happening.”

How Has The Today Job Changed Craig Melvin’s Life?

Craig did admit that no one knew the “magnitude” of the changes coming to The Today Show with Hoda stepping down. This changed when people began to recognize him, which wasn’t the case before.

Craig Melvin | YouTube
Craig Melvin | YouTube

“It hits you when a random person in Ohio or an airport in Florida stops you and says, I remember your first show. Seeing your mom on was such a beautiful moment,” Craig said. “And that’s when it really sinks in — Oh my god. People watch. Millions of people are watching and listening every morning.”

Craig grew up in South Carolina. His mother was a teacher, and his father was a mail clerk. He said this kind of thing was never supposed to happen to someone like him. “I find myself stepping back, thinking, Holy crap. This is amazing,” Craig said.

He said he wants to bring some fresh things to The Today Show. Other than making sports a bigger focus of discussion, he said he wants to highlight fatherhood. “I’d argue there are a lot of guys watching, too, and I want to reach them,” he admitted. “Fatherhood is something I care deeply about, and I think there’s space for more conversations around it.”

What are your thoughts on Craig Melvin since he replaced Hoda Kotb on The Today Show? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Shawn Lealos
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