Were you surprised when NBC announced that Craig Melvin would succeed Hoda Kotb as a co-anchor on the Today show? It turns out we weren't the only ones shocked by the news — Craig was, too. In November 2024,

They will have to come in with boxes and security and say, you're done,' Melvin joked while exclusively chatting with Parade for the Jan. 17 cover story.

“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.”

Dressed in a navy suit and yellow tie that his wife and kids picked out for the occasion, Craig stands at the TODAY desk reading over copy when music begins playing. He looks up, surprised, as the first verse of Hootie & the Blowfish’s “Let Her Cry” comes through the studio speakers.

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.

Savannah Guthrie made her return to Today after missing an episode of the show during Craig Melvin’s first week as her official coanchor. Savannah, 53, was absent from the talk show on Thursday6. At the time of her absence,

As Craig Melvin steps into his new role as co-anchor of Today, his demanding work schedule is about to become even more hectic. But luckily he has a very calming hobby that brings him a little peace. About a year ago, he tells PEOPLE his therapist encouraged him to take up a creative endeavor.

The NBC newsman is taking over the position from longtime 'Today' anchor Hoda Kotb Craig Melvin admits he’s generally not an anxious person. He doesn’t “really do excited” either. But reality was setting in as he welcomed PEOPLE into his Westport,

Craig Melvin has officially taken the helm of his new role as a co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show. But not before thanking his mom and dad. The 45-year-old TV anchor closed his sentimental first broadcast on Monday, Jan. 13, with a dedication to his parents, Betty Jo and Lawrence, who were on set for his big first day.

It’s a familiar routine for Craig, who joined the TODAY team in 2018 and is well-accustomed to early mornings. But since taking over as co-anchor of the show after Hoda Kotb's exit on Jan. 10, his wakeup time has gotten considerably earlier.

Craig Melvin isn't even a week into his tenure as co-anchor of the 'Today' show and already his co-anchor has left him. Melvin, 45, joked about Savannah Guthrie's absence at the top of the Thursday, Jan.

Watch as the South Carolina native is overcome with emotions on his first day co-anchoring the first two hours of 'Today.'