New York — Veteran NBC host and news anchor Craig Melvin is replacing Hoda Kotb as co-host of “Today” from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Melvin is a familiar face to ‘Today’ show viewers. He currently hosts the show’s third hour and serves as news anchor for the first two hours. He will continue hosting the show for a third time alongside Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, and Sheinelle Jones.
“He was an essential and beloved member of our family,” Libby Leist, executive vice president of “Today,” said in a statement. “From on-the-spot breaking news reporting to presidential interviews to multiple Olympics and Super Bowls, Craig’s shown that he has the talent and range to cover everything we do here at ‘Today.’ And he’s a Southern charmer. “We did it without losing anything.”
Kotb’s last official performance date is January 10th. She announced in September that she was leaving “Today,” which ranks third in morning ratings behind ABC’s “Good Morning America.” NBC News has not disclosed Kotb’s selection for other roles, who co-hosts 10 a.m. with Jenna Bush Hager.
“I’ve been blessed throughout my life, and this is the most recent blessing,” Melvin said on Thursday’s broadcast. Of Kotb and Guthrie he said: “You are the sisters I never thought I needed.” And he spoke about Kotb. “You saved the show.” This is an exaggeration, but it does refer to her hasty takeover following the Matt Lauer scandal.
Lindsay Czarniak, a sportscaster and host of NBC’s USA Network coverage and Melvin’s wife, posted a congratulatory message on Instagram.
“The opportunity to watch someone you love achieve their dreams is truly a gift. I will never forget this day and the excitement of the crowd to share your good news,” she wrote.
