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Craig Melvin officially took over as co-anchor of Today alongside Savannah Guthrie on January 13, replacing longtime host Hoda Kotb, who retired after 17 years. On his debut day, Melvin received support from fans, colleagues, and his family, including his wife, Lindsay Czarniak, and their two children. Hoda Kotb also left a heartfelt letter for Melvin, offering words of encouragement and wisdom.
A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Craig Melvin graduated from Wofford College in 2001 with a major in government. His ties to Wofford run deep, and the college community turned out in full force to support him on his first day as co-anchor of the Today show. Dressed in black and gold, Wofford alumni gathered on Rockefeller Plaza in New York City to cheer for their fellow graduates.
Hoda Kotb's letter to Craig Melvin
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Before departing the Today show, Hoda Kotb penned a touching poem for Craig Melvin, marking the transition of her role to him. She also recorded a message filled with pride and advice.
"Craig-or! It’s your first day. How does it feel? First of all, I'm so proud of you, and I wanted to let you know just how proud of you I am, because, first of all, you're going to be fantastic," Hoda said.
Hoda's poem, which Melvin read aloud during the broadcast, included lines such as:
"I'm moving forward, so reach back your hand. Grab the baton, your world will expand. The adventures are endless ... the people so dear. Great memories await, year after year."
Hoda’s letter concluded with, "Go get 'em, Craig. You’ve got this!" Her message left Melvin visibly emotional as he expressed gratitude for her support.
In a show of solidarity, Wofford College alumni gathered outside the Today Show studios to celebrate Melvin’s milestone. Carrying signs with messages such as "Turning the Today show Plaza Old Gold and Black" and "Cheers to Craig from Wofford College," they brought a festive atmosphere to the plaza.
Melvin's parents, Lawrence and Betty Jo Melvin, along with his children, Sybil and Delano, also attended the event. His son, Delano, shared a heartfelt moment, saying, "He's a great dad, and he deserves to be here," while his daughter Sybil read a sweet letter describing her favorite memories with her father.
Craig Melvin joined NBC and MSNBC in 2011, initially working as an anchor for MSNBC Live. He became an NBC News correspondent in 2012 and later a Dateline anchor. Melvin began contributing to Today in 2018 and became a beloved figure among viewers. His promotion to co-anchor was officially announced on November 14, 2024.
Savannah Guthrie shared the news during a Today broadcast, praising Melvin’s hard work and talent.
"Our dear friend, and talented, wonderful, hard-working, most worthy of this: Craig Melvin is the new anchor of the Today show," she said.
Wofford College alumni celebrated Melvin’s achievement by organizing events, including a gathering at the Yale Club on January 12. The college’s alumni network encouraged participants to dress in school colors and show their support for Craig Melvin's debut.
