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The show announced on Thursday, Nov. 14, that Craig Melvin who has been with "Today" since 2018, would do double duty and co-chair the news from 7 to 8 a.m. beginning early next year, NBC News said.
The 45-year-old Melvin lives in Westport, Connecticut, with his wife, sports broadcaster Lindsay Czarniak, and their two children, Delano, 10, and Sybil, 8. He's worked with NBC News for 14 years.
“I am beyond excited and grateful,” an emotional Melvin said, flanked by "Today" show co-anchors. “I’ve enjoyed just a lifetime of blessings and this is the latest in a long line of blessings.”
"You are literally made for this job," Kotb told him. "You are that kind of good. You have all the things that this job needs. You're the right person for it."
Kotb announced in September that she would be leaving the show after nearly 20 years. Her last day is Jan. 10, 2025, NBC said. The 60-year-old Kotb said she wants to spend more time with her two young children and felt starting a new decade would be a good time to make a change.
Melvin will co-anchor the news with Savannah Guthrie beginning Jan. 13, NBC News said. He will remain a co-host of the third hour of the show with Al Roker Dylan Dreyer, and Sheinelle Jones.
"Today with Hoda & Jenna," the fourth hour of the show, will also see an overhaul. Jenna Bush Hager will co-host with a rotating group of celebrities until a permanent replacement for Kotb is found, the report said.
The show will be renamed to "Today with Jenna & Friends."
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