Hoda Kotb sends a Shout-Out to Craig Melvin who replaced him today

Hoda Kotb celebrates his new chapter after the finale today show the appearance.

The 60-year-old broadcaster took to social media on Monday, January 13, with a positive message about starting over. “And suddenly, you know…it’s time to start something new and trust in the magic of new beginnings,” read the quote she shared through herself Instagram to feed

In the caption, Kotb added, “Here’s to everyone starting over — @craigmelvinnbc and @savannahguthrie ….. @jennabushhager and friends.. and me! Let’s do it!”

The scream came as Craig Melvin prepared for to replace Kotb on the NBC morning show. In September 2024, Kotb announced that she was leaving the series after nearly 30 years with the network. Melvin’s new role was confirmed two months later.

“I want to obviously thank NBC and the people here who found me worthy,” Melvin, 45, said at the time, noting that he felt “beyond excited and grateful” for the new opportunity. “I have enjoyed a lifetime of blessings and this is the latest in a long line of blessings.”

Kotb assured his colleague that he was “made for the job,” adding: “You’re so good. You have everything you need for the job. You are the right person for that.”

After months of build up, Kotb has officially said goodbye to today show on Friday, January 10, concluding a weekly “Hoda-bration” in her honor. She got emotional, including praising the co-hosts Savannah Guthrieand wished Melvin the best of luck on his new journey.

“Savannah, oh my god. You are my man, you are my man. You know who shows up for everyone? This girl. … She’s in the room, she’s always in the room, and I love you,” she said. “Craig, I’m so happy for you. You earned it, you own it, and I’ll be dead asleep at 7 a.m. Monday. But you will be fantastic. You will bring it home. Craig, you will be so kind. You and Savannah will be wizards.’

On the topic: Craig Melvin’s “Today” show gig: salary, staff reaction

Craig Melvin is following in the footsteps of the legendary Hoda Kotb, and the Today show staff couldn’t be more excited for him. “Craig is so awesome that people were excited to get an email from the staff,” a source tells Us Weekly exclusively. “He’s the best – everyone is so happy for him.” Adds a second source: “He (…)

During Monday’s episode, Kotb sent a video message to Melvin to celebrate his new role. She wrote him a letter that was read on air after Guthrie found it hidden in the studio. Melvin was overcome with emotion as his family supported him during the broadcast.

Kotb previously explained that her departure from the village today the show was inspired by her daughters, Hailey, 7, and Hope, 5. She detailed her decision in a letter shared by Today.com last fall.

“I’ve been pondering this decision for quite some time – am I really ready?” she wrote. “But celebrating my sixtieth birthday at the Plaza felt like a shift. What a massive, joyful YES you are! I saw it all so clearly: my career on the air was meaningless, a new decade of my life was ahead of me, and now my daughters and my mother needed and deserved more of my time. I will miss you terribly, but I am ready and excited.”

At the time, Kotb added that she planned to remain “a part of the NBC family,” calling her time at the network “the longest working relationship I’ve been fortunate enough to hold close to my heart.”

With Melvin on the morning show and a a changing list of invited hosts joining Jenna Bush Hager on Today with Jenna and friendsKotb is ready to sit back and relax — even turning off her morning alarms.

“No alarm… aaaaaaaaaatttt???” – she teased through Instagram on Sunday, January 12, before its first airing.