Hoda Kotb put her writing skills to good use before leaving TODAY by penning a letter to her successor. Ahead of Hoda’s last day on Jan. 10, she wrote a heartfelt poem to Craig Melvin for him to read as he takes over as co-anchor of TODAY alongside Savannah Guthrie on Jan. 13.

“I was like, ‘Are they forcing you out?’ She’s like, ‘No Craig, I’m OK. I’m leaving,’” he recalled. “I was legit stunned, so much so that after she left, I went back to her dressing room, and I was like, ‘Are you sure you’re OK?’ It takes a certain kind of courage to leave anything when you’re at the height of your game.”

Hoda Kotb announced her departure from the "Today" show and now, Craig Melvin will help helm the NBC morning show with Savannah Guthrie.

Today confirmed Kotb’s exit in September 2024 and Melvin was announced as her successor less than two months later. He made his debut as co-anchor on January 13 alongside Savannah Guthrie, who has been co-hosting the morning show since 2012.

Craig Melvin revealed he questioned Hoda Kotb about whether she chose to leave 'Today' when he learned of her exit from the NBC morning show

Craig Melvin is grateful for his new role on Today, but he admitted there’s one part of the job that seriously “stinks.” The TV personality opened up about his early wake-up time and getting used to his new schedule as Hoda Kotb’s replacement.

Craig Melvin made his debut co-anchoring the 'Today' show with Savannah Guthrie on Monday, Jan. 13, after taking over the role from Hoda Kotb.

Craig Melvin's debut as co-anchor of Today proved to be an emotional one. On Monday, January 13, the 45-year-old broadcast journalist — who began his first day in his new gig — received a video message and a handwritten letter from his predecessor, Hoda Kotb, whose last day was Friday, January 10.

Craig Melvin made his official debut as a Today show co-anchor during the Monday, January 13, broadcast, and there was no shortage of emotion on the set. After a tribute video pla

Hoda Kotb celebrated her fresh start after leaving the 'Today' show and gave a shout-out to Craig Melvin as he takes over as coanchor

Hoda Kotb has left the 30 Rock building, and NBC anchor Craig Melvin is her replacement. Melvin, a mainstay at the network, will helm the NBC morning show alongside longtime "Today" co-anchor ...

Hoda Kotb signed off and Norah O'Donnell is following her lead. But experts say the TV news business continues to "ebb and flow" amid talent shifts.