Craig Melvin is getting candid on Hoda Kotb’s “Today” exit.
The anchor was so shocked his fellow journalist was leaving NBC after practically 30 years that he requested Kotb if the choice to depart wasn’t hers.
“My dressing room is two over from hers, and she knocks on my door one morning, which was unusual. And she’s like, ‘You have a moment?’” Melvin, 45, recalled in an interview with Parade journal on Friday. “She came in, and she said, ‘I just wanted to tell you something. I’m leaving.’”
The reporter famous that his “initial reaction was, ‘Are you sick? Is everything OK?’ I was like, ‘Well, no one leaves these jobs on their own.’”
Kotb, 60, knowledgeable Melvin she wished to step away from the present whereas she was “on top,” however he nonetheless wasn’t satisfied.
“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.”
In September final 12 months, Kotb made the stunning announcement that she can be leaving “Today” firstly of 2025.
Puck Information reported on the time that Kotb was making greater than $20 million a 12 months and determined to depart after NBC bosses proposed a pay lower.
Nonetheless, a senior NBC supply estimated that Kotb was truly making $7-8 million yearly.
However the mom-of-two defined that her resolution was truly influenced by turning 60 and eager to spend extra time together with her daughters Haley, 8, and Hope, 5. Two months later, it was revealed that Melvin can be taking on her place as Savannah Guthrie’s co-anchor.
“Craig, you were made for this job. You were literally made for this job. You are that kind of good,” Kotb gushed throughout a November episode. “You have all the things that this job needs. You’re the right person for it.”
Melvin gave the love proper again, stating: “It means a lot to inherit this from you. You’ve been the heart of this place for a long time. You helped save this show.”
The broadcaster, in the meantime, instructed Parade that he “never dreamed that any of this would happen, which I think makes it even sweeter.”
Melvin, who shares son Delano, 10, and daughter Sybil, 8, with spouse, Lindsay Czarniak, added, “Outside of getting married and having my kids, I don’t know if I’ve ever been more excited about something.”
The TV persona started his co-anchor place on Monday alongside Guthrie, 53. The day of, Kotb shocked Melvin with a heartfelt poem which he learn on air.
“Craig! I’m moving forward, so reach back your hand. Grab the baton, your world will expand. The adventures are endless … the people so dear. Great memories await, year after year,” Kotb wrote. “Day One! You’re prepared surrounded by love. Your crew is the type you’ll be able to solely dream of. Savannah, Al [Roker] and Carson [Daly] are right here!
“With partners like these, your runway is clear. From out on the plaza, to inside 30 Rock, Your fans are so eager, they’re watching the clock. The time has arrived to rise like the sun. I am cheering for you, and a fabulous run! XOXO Hoda.”
