Hoda Kotb sends a shout-out to show replacement Craig Melvin

Hoda Kotb celebrates her new chapter after her finale Today show appearance.

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

In the caption, Kotb added: “So that everyone starts over: @craigmelvinnbc and @savannahguthrie….. @jennabushhager and friends.. and for me! Let’s do this!”

The shout-out came as Craig Melvin prepared to step in as Kotb’s replacement at the NBC morning show. Kotb announced in September 2024 that she would be leaving the series after nearly 30 years with the network. Melvin’s new role was confirmed two months later.

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

Kotb assured her colleague that he was “made for this job,” adding, “You are so good. You have everything this job needs. You are the right person for it.”

After months of build-up, Kotb officially said goodbye to the Today show on Friday, Jan. 10, concluding a weeklong “Hoda-bration” in her honor. She got emotional while praising her cohosts, including Savannah Guthrieand wished Melvin the best of luck on his new journey.

“Savannah, oh my God. You are my person, you are my person. You know who stands up for everyone? This girl. … She’s in the room, she’s always in the room, and I love you,” she bounced. “Craig, I’m so happy for you. You earned this, you own this, and when I get there at 7am on Monday, I’ll fall dead asleep. But you’ll be fantastic. You’re going to take it home. Craig, you’ll be so good. You and Savannah are going to be magical.”

Related: A look inside Craig Melvin’s ‘Today’ show appearance: Salary, staff reaction

Craig Melvin is following in Hoda Kotb’s legendary footsteps and the Today show staff couldn’t be happier for him. “Craig is so amazing, people were cheering when they got the email from the staff,” a source exclusively told Us Weekly. “He’s the best, everyone is so excited for him.” Adds a second source: “He is […]

During Monday’s episode, Kotb sent a video message to Melvin celebrating his new role. She wrote him a letter, which 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 Today show was inspired by her daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5. She further explained her decision in a letter shared via Today.com last fall.

“I’ve been considering this decision for a while: am I really ready?” she wrote. “But my sixtieth birthday at the Plaza felt like a change. Like a huge, joyful YES, you are! I saw it all so clearly: my broadcasting career has been beyond meaningful, a new decade of my life lies ahead, and now my daughters and my mother need and deserve a bigger share of my time. I will miss you all desperately, but I am ready and excited.

Kotb added at the time that she planned to “remain a part of the NBC family” and called her time at the network “the longest working relationship that I have been fortunate enough to hold close to my heart.”

With Melvin filling her shoes on the morning show and a rotating list of guest presenters participating Jenna Bush Hager on Today with Jenna and friendsKotb is ready to kick back and relax – and even turns off her early morning alarm.

“No alarm…whaaaaaaattttt???” she teased via Instagram on Sunday, January 12, before her first day off the air.