Craig Melvin asked Hoda Kotb if she was pushed out of tonight’s role

Craig Melvin he was so shocked by the news Hoda Kotb‘with Today show exit that he thought the decision to leave was not hers.

“My dressing room is two more than hers and she knocks on my door one morning, which was unusual. And she says, ‘Do you have a moment?'” Melvin (45) recalled in an interview for Procession magazine Posted on Friday, January 17th. “She came and said, ‘I just wanted to tell you something. I’m leaving.”

Melvin noted that his “initial reaction was, ‘Are you sick? Is everything okay?” I was like, ‘Well, nobody leaves these jobs alone.'” While Kotb, 60, informed him that she wanted to leave the show when she was “on top of things,” he continued his questioning.

“I was like, ‘Are they kicking you out?’ She said, ‘No Craig, I’m fine. I’m leaving,” he added. “I was absolutely stunned, so much so that after she left I went back to her dressing room and I was like, ‘Are you sure you’re okay?’ It takes a certain kind of courage to leave anything when you’re at the top of your game.” (Many previous Today the hosts he did not leave the series voluntarilysuch as Jane Pauley, Ann Curry, Matt Lauer and Billy Bush.)

Related: Hoda Kotb Sends Shout-Out to ‘Today’ Show Replacement Craig Melvin

Hoda Kotb celebrates her new chapter after her final performance today. The 60-year-old broadcaster took to social media on Monday, January 13, with the positive news that he is starting over. “And suddenly, you know… it’s time to start something new and trust in the magic of new beginnings,” was the quote she shared through her (…)

Kotb announced that she would abandonment Today show after nearly 30 years at NBC in September 2024, citing being 60 years old and wanting to spend more time with her children — daughters Haley, 8, and Hope, 5 — as the main reasons for her decision. Two months later, it was revealed that Melvin would be taking over her role like Savannah Guthriehis coach.

“Craig, you were made for this job. You were literally made for this job. You’re so good,” Kotb boomed in the air in November 2024. “You have all the things this job needs. You’re the one for that.”

Melvin then returned her kind words by saying, “It means a lot to inherit this from you. You have been the heart of this place for a long time. You helped save this show.”

In his Procession Melvin said in an interview that he “never dreamed any of this would happen, which I think is even sweeter,” adding, “Besides getting married and having my kids, I don’t know if I’ve ever been more excited something.” (The TV personality shares son Delan, 10, and daughter Sybil, 8, with wife, Lindsay Czarniak.)

Melvin officially assumed his role as coach on Monday, January 13. In addition to wishing Melvin and Guthrie, 53, good luck via InstagramKotb surprised Melvin by writing him a heartfelt poem that he read on air.

Related: Inside Craig Melvin’s ‘Today’ Show gig: Pay, staff reaction

Craig Melvin is following in the legendary footsteps of Hody Kotba, and the Today crew couldn’t be more excited about him. “Craig is so amazing that people cheered when they got the email from the staff,” a source told Us Weekly exclusively. “He’s the best – everyone is so excited about him. Adds a second source: “He is (…)

“Craig! I’m moving forward, so reach out. Grab the baton, your world will expand. Adventures are endless… people are so precious. Great memories await year after year,” she said he wrote. “Day one! You are ready surrounded by love. Your team is what you can only dream of. savanna, Al (Rocker) a Carson (They gave) are here! With partners like these, your path is free. Your fans are so eager that they watch for hours, from the square to 30 Rock. It’s time to rise like the sun. I’m rooting for you and have a fabulous run! XOXO Hoda.”

From Kotb Today exit, her former partner in crime Jenna Bush Hager continues to co-host the fourth hour of the show with the new name Today with Jenna and friendsalong with the rotating assembly guest celebrities. Stars such as Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria, Keke Palmer and Michelle Buteau joined Bush Hager, 43, for her first week on the job Scarlett Johansson will be sitting alongside the host on next week’s show.