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Hoda Kotb Is ‘Not Regretting’ Her Decision to Leave ‘Today’ After Her Replacement Is Announced
Hoda Kotb was beaming when it was announced that Craig Melvin would be replacing her on Today amid her departure from the program.
“She couldn’t be happier about it,” an insider exclusively tells Closer of the big announcement, which was made on the show on Thursday, November 14. “She had no say in the decision, but she thinks Craig was a good choice.”
Hoda, 60, first announced on September 26 that she planned to leave Today in early 2025 to spend more time with her two daughters, Haley and Hope.
“It’s bittersweet because she’s sad that this chapter in her life is coming to a close,” the source adds. “She’s not regretting her decision to leave, she’s still very excited about moving on, but Craig’s announcement just made it more real.”
Craig, 45, expressed gratitude to NBC for making the decision to promote him to officially be Savannah Guthrie’s coanchor in the early morning hours of the show.
“I am beyond excited and grateful,” the South Carolina native said on the show. “I want to thank NBC and the folks here who deemed me worthy. And I have to start by thanking the man upstairs, thank you my Lord above and his son, Jesus. I enjoyed just a lifetime of blessings, and this is the latest in a long line of blessings. I talked to Mom and Dad yesterday and I’m grateful they’re still young enough to see this and enjoy the fruits of their labor.”
“It means a lot to inherit this from you,” the broadcaster, who shares kids Delano and Sybil with wife Lindsay Czarniak, told Hoda of the opportunity. “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!'”
Craig said that Savannah, 52, and Hoda are like “sisters that I never knew that I needed.”
Following the big announcement, Lindsay, 47, spoke out in a tribute to her husband on Instagram.
“The opportunity to watch the person you love see their dream come true is such a gift,” she wrote alongside several photos with Craig. “I will never forget this day and the crowds’ excitement to share your good news.”
Fans were thrilled to learn that Craig, one of NBC’s most beloved anchors, will be sliding into Hoda’s seat at the news desk on January 13.
“Congratulations to Craig!!! So happy for you and looking forward to many more years of my morning coffee with you!!!” one person wrote in a comment on Today’s official Instagram account.
“Best decision ever!! Congratulations and we in SC are so proud of you!!! Blessings,” another person wrote.
“We love him. Ya’ll are the real deal. Genuine and kind. How refreshing! Watched @todayshow since 1954 … and Dave Garroway days! I’m old!!!!” another person said.
In a behind-the-scenes video posted on Today’s official Instagram account, fans could be heard chanting Craig’s name out on the Today plaza. He appeared to wipe a tear from his eye in the clip. Savannah and Hoda comforted him during the emotional moment, proving that the Today family’s bond is so strong!
