Hoda Kotb Sends A Shout Out To The Today Show Craig Melvin's Replacement

Hoda Kotb he is celebrating his new chapter after the last one Today show the appearance.

The 60-year-old broadcaster took to social media on Monday, January 13, with a positive message to start over. “And suddenly, you know… it's time to start something new and trust the magic of new beginnings,” reads the quote he shared on his Instagram feed.

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

The shout came as Craig Melvin is set to replace Kotb on NBC's morning show. Kotb announced in September 2024 that he would be leaving the series after nearly 30 years on the network. Melvin's new role was confirmed two months later.

“I want, obviously, to thank NBC and the people here who saw me as a good fit,” Melvin, 45, said at the time, noting that he felt “excited and very grateful” for the new opportunity. “I have enjoyed blessings all my life, and this is the latest in a long line of blessings.”

Kotb assured his colleague that he was “made for the job,” adding, “He's that kind of guy.” You have all the things that this job requires. He is a person who is ready for that.”

After months of building himself up, Kotb officially said goodbye Today show on Friday, January 10, which concludes the week-long “Hoda-bration” in his honor. He got emotional while praising his teammates, incl Savannah Guthrieand wished Melvin luck in his new journey.

“Savannah, oh, my God. You are my person, you are my person. Do you know who is from everyone? This girl. … You're in the room, you're always in the room, and I love you,” she gushed. “Craig, I'm so happy for you. You got this, you own this, and come Monday at 7 a.m., I'll be asleep. But it will be fun. You will bring it home. Craig, you're going to be great. You and Savannah are going to be magical. “

Related: Inside Craig Melvin's 'Today' Show Gig: Salary, Employee Reaction

Craig Melvin is following in Hoda Kotb's famous footsteps and the Today show staff couldn't be happier for him. “Craig is great, people were excited when they got the staff email,” a source tells Us Weekly exclusively. “He's the best – everyone is so amazed.” A second source adds: “He is […]

On Monday's episode, Kotb sent a video message to Melvin to celebrate his new role. He wrote her a letter, which was read over the air after Guthrie found it hidden in the studio. Melvin was devastated as his family supported him on the radio.

Earlier, Kotb explained that his departure from Today show was inspired by her daughters, Haley, 7, and Hope, 5. She detailed her decision in a letter shared with Today.com last fall.

“I've been weighing this decision for a long time – am I really ready?” he wrote. “But, celebrating my sixtieth birthday at the Plaza felt like a shift. Like a big, happy YES, you are! I saw everything clearly: my broadcasting career was more than meaningful, a new decade of my life is coming, and now my daughters and mother need and deserve a bigger piece of my time pie. I will miss you a lot, but I am ready and happy.”

Kotb added at the time that he planned to remain “a part of the NBC family,” calling his time at the network “the longest relationship I've been fortunate enough to hold close to my heart.”

With Melvin filling his shoes on the morning show and a rotating list of guest hosts joining Jenna Bush Hager to Today With Jenna & FriendsKotb is ready to sit back and relax — until he turns off his morning alarms.

“No alarm…whaaaaaaaaattttt???” she teased on Instagram on Sunday, January 12, ahead of her first day off the air.