Craig Melvin Reveals Touching Letter Hoda Kotb Wrote Him as He Replaces Her on ‘Today’

Though Hoda Kotb has officially left Today, her presence is still heavily felt around the show’s set! The longtime TV host wrote a letter to Craig Melvin, who replaced her in the coanchor seat on the program on Monday, January 13.

Hoda, 60, appeared in a prerecorded message for Craig, 45, during the episode, which celebrated his promotion. She explained that she left a special letter for Craig somewhere on the show’s set and that he had to ask Savannah Guthrie where it was.

“Craig-or!” Hoda said in the video. “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.”

It turns out, Hoda wrote Craig a poem about his first day as her replacement on Today. Savannah, 53, presented Craig with the letter, per Hoda’s request.

“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,” the poem said. “Day One! You are ready surrounded by love. Your team is the kind you can only dream of. Savannah, Al and Carson are here! With partners like these, your runway is clear. From out on the plaza, to inside 30 Rock, your fans are so eager, they’re watching the clock. The time has arrived to rise like the sun. I am cheering for you, and a fabulous run!”

Craig was moved by Hoda’s sweet gesture during his big episode, and so were fans.

“I just love how Hoda boosted everyone before she left. She always turned things around to the others alongside of her. You will do great Craig!” one person wrote on Today’s official Instagram account.

“Another reason why Hoda is so dear. Even us from far away learn to love more and be kinder and cheer for those around us. You will be fantastic Craig! You already are,” another supportive comment said.

The South Carolina native’s family also showed up to surprise him on the set of the show, with his kids, Delano and Sybil, each sharing kind words about their father.

“He’s a great dad, and he deserves to be here today,” Delano, 10, told Craig’s Today colleagues after walking out onto the stage to hug his dad.

Hoda has been Craig’s biggest supporter as he has transitioned into Savannah’s coanchor.

“You are made for this job,” she told him when it was first announced Craig would be taking over Hoda’s position in November 2024. “You are literally made for this job. You are that kind of good. You have all the things that this job needs. You’re the right person for it.”

“It means a lot to inherit this from you,” Craig told Hoda in response. “You helped save the show and to be able to sit next to someone who I knew was smart for years and all of a sudden you start working with her and you’re like, ‘Wait a minute, she’s funny too!’”