Hoda Kotb’s replacement has been revealed.
And it’s a familiar face “Today” show fans know well.
On Nov. 14, the morning talk show revealed its longtime employee Craig Melvin will take over Kotb’s anchor chair, NBC reports.
During the first hours of the show, Melvin got emotional when the news was revealed.
“I am beyond excited and grateful,” Melvin said, according to NBC. “I’ve enjoyed just a lifetime of blessings and this is the latest in a long line of blessings.”
Kotb told her successor that he was “literally made for this job. You have all the things this job needs. You are the right person for it.”
As for when Kotb will step away from her anchor chair, that date was also revealed. Calling it a “party day,” Kotb’s last day as a “Today” show anchor will be Jan. 10, NBC said.
Savannah Guthrie, who will still sit alongside Melvin, also shared a few words. After telling Kotb she is “irreplaceable in our hearts,” she added that she was excited about Melvin stepping in, calling him “talented, wonderful, hard-working, most-worthy.”
In an interview with E! News in October, Kotb opened up about the type of person she wants to replace her as an anchor on the show.
While talking with E! News guest correspondent Daryn Carp, Kotb said, “The person who I want is someone who has beautiful chemistry with Jenna (Bush Hager)” her fourth hour co-host.
“That’s all I want. Because it’s never about either anchor, it’s about what’s between,” Kotb continued. “So bring the chemistry.”
“I don’t care if it’s her best friend, I don’t care if it’s someone she’s worked with, if it’s some celeb. When she gets in sync, that’s it. If she has chemistry, it will be beautiful.”
At the time, Kotb admitted she doesn’t have much say in who replaces her, but told Hager to be vocal during the hiring process.
As for the advice she gave her future successor, Kotb was blunt. “Look, you get to sit next to Savannah Guthrie. Here’s what you’re going to do: You’re going to ride sidecar and say ‘thank you very much,’ OK?”
In the letter she wrote to her colleagues on Sept. 26 announcing her departure, she wrote that her decision to leave despite being at the top of her career was for her family, including her two daughters.
“My broadcast career has been beyond meaningful, a new decade of my life lies ahead, and now my daughters and my mom need and deserve a bigger slice of my time pie. I will miss you all desperately, but I’m ready and excited.”
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