Hoda Kotb sends a shout out to the Today Show, who is replaced by Craig Melvin

Hoda Kotb celebrates his new chapter after the finale Today show appearance

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

In the caption, Kotb added, “Here's to all the newbies — @craigmelvinnbc and @savannahguthrie ….. @jennabushhager and friends.. and me! Let's do it!”

The scream came as Craig Melvin ready log in as a replacement for Kotb on NBC's morning show. Kotba announced in September 2024 that he 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 who thought I was worthy,” Melvin, 45, said at the time, adding that he was “extremely excited and 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, “You're so good. You've got all the things you need for the job. You're the right person.”

After months of buildup, Kotb officially said goodbye to Today performance on Friday, January 10, closing a week-long Hoda-bration in her honor. She became emotional as she praised her colleagues including Savannah Guthrieand wished Melvin the best of luck on his new journey.

“Savannah, my God. You are my man, you are my man. You know what shows up for everyone? This girl. … She’s in the room, she’s always in the room, and I love you,” she breathed. “Craig, I'm so happy for you. You've earned it, you own this, and I'll be dead asleep at 7:00 Monday. But you're going to be fantastic. You're going to bring it home. Craig, you're going to be so good. You and Savannah you will be adorable.

Related: Craig Melvin's 'Today' show gig: Salary, staff reaction

Craig Melvin is following in Hod Kotb's legendary footsteps, and the Today Show staff couldn't be more excited for him. “Craig is so awesome that people cheered when they got the staff email,” a source tells Us Weekly. “He's the best – everyone is so excited about him.” Adds a second source: “He is (…)

During Monday's episode, Kotb sent Melvin a video message to celebrate his new role. She wrote him a letter that was read on air after Guthrie found it hidden in the studio. Melvin was overcome with emotion as his family supported him on the show.

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

“I have been considering this decision for quite some time – am I really ready?” she wrote. “But celebrating my sixtieth birthday at the Plaza felt like a change. What a huge, joyful YES, you are! I saw it all so clearly: my broadcasting career was no longer meaningful, a new decade of my life was ahead of me, and now my daughters and my mom needed and deserve a bigger pie of my time.I'll miss you all desperately, but I'm ready and excited.

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

Filling shoes with Melvin on the morning show and a rotating list of guest hosts accession Jen Bush Hager switched on Today with Jenna and friendsKotb is ready to sit back and relax – even turning off the early morning alarm clock.

“No alarm… whaaaaaaaaatttttttttttttttttttttttt” she teased via Instagram on Sunday, January 12, ahead of her first holiday on air.