Hoda Kotb Makes a Bold Declaration About 'Today' Replacement Ahead of Her Departure

Since fans got over their initial shock at Hoda Kotb’s announcement that she would be leaving Today after almost two decades, there’s been one major question on their minds: Who will be her replacement?

On the Thursday, Nov. 14 episode of Today, Kotb’s successor was officially confirmed at last—news anchor and third-hour co-host Craig Melvin will be stepping up to take her place, according to NBC News.

“I am beyond excited and grateful,” Melvin said. “I’ve enjoyed just a lifetime of blessings and this is the latest in a long line of blessings.”

🤩🤩 SIGN UP for Parade’s Trending News newsletter & we’ll keep you in the know on the viral pop culture moments & celebrity news everyone is talking about 🗞️🗞️

Kotb took the opportunity to praise Melvin, boldly declaring that he was “literally made for this job.”

“You have all the things this job needs,” she said. “You are the right person for it.”

Savannah Guthrie agreed, calling Melvin “talented, wonderful, hard-working, most-worthy”—while acknowledging that Kotb is “irreplaceable in our hearts.”

View the original article to see embedded media.

Al Roker also congratulated Melvin via Zoom.

“I knew that this day would come. I’ve watched you grow. I’ve seen you as a journalist but more importantly, I’ve seen you as a dad, as a son, all the things that make you who you are,” Roker said. “I am so proud and so happy for you right now because you are so worthy of this.”

“I love you. I love you. Thank you,” Melvin said, calling Kotb and Guthrie his “sisters.”

Related: Hoda Kotb Has a Strong Reaction to Impromptu Moment With Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande on Today: “What Was That?”

“It means a lot to inherit this from you,” Melvin told Kotb. “You’ve been the heart of this place for a long time. You helped save this show. You helped save this show.”

“And to be able to sit next to someone who I knew was smart for years and all of a sudden you start working with her and you’re like, ‘wait a minute, she’s funny too,” he added, addressing Guthrie.

Melvin has been a staple at NBC News for almost 14 years, previously holding roles at Today and covering breaking news, sporting events and presidential interviews.

Next: Jenna Bush Hager Stuns Hoda Kotb With Unexpected TV Watching Habit