“No one quits their job on their own”

Craig Melvin Gets Candid About Hoda Kotb’s ‘Today’ Release.

The anchor was so surprised that his fellow reporter was leaving NBC after nearly 30 years that he asked Kotb if the decision to leave wasn’t his own.

“My dressing room is a stone’s throw from hers and she knocked on my door one morning, which was unusual. And she says, ‘Do you have a moment?’ “, recalls Melvin, 45, in an interview with Parade magazine on Friday. “She came in and she said, ‘I just wanted to tell you something. I’m leaving.’”

The reporter noted that his “first reaction was, ‘Are you sick? Is everything okay? I thought, “Well, no one leaves these jobs on their own. »

Kotb, 60, informed Melvin that she wanted to step away from the show while she was “on top,” but he still wasn’t convinced.

“I was like, ‘Are they forcing you out?’ She said, “No Craig, I’m fine. I’m leaving,” he recalled. “I was really stunned, so much so that after he left, I went back to his dressing room and I was like, ‘Are you sure you’re okay?’ It takes a certain amount of courage to give up anything when you’re at the top of your game.

In September of last year, Kotb made the shocking announcement that she would be leaving “Today” in early 2025.

Puck News reported at the time that Kotb made more than $20 million a year and decided to leave after NBC bosses offered a pay cut.

However, a high-ranking source at NBC estimated that Kotb actually made between $7 million and $8 million per year.

But the mother of two explained that her decision was actually influenced by turning 60 and wanting to spend more time with her daughters Haley, 8, and Hope, 5. Two months later, it was revealed that Melvin would return to his position. as co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.

“Craig, you are made for this job. You are literally made for this job. You’re that kind of good,” Kotb exclaimed during a November episode. “You have everything this job needs. You are the right person for this.

Melvin immediately returned the love, 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.

The broadcaster, meanwhile, told Parade that he “never dreamed any of this would happen, which I think makes it even sweeter.”

Melvin, who shares son Delano, 10, and daughter Sybil, 8, with his wife, Lindsay Czarniak, added: “Other than getting married and having my kids, I don’t know if I have ever been more excited about something.”

The TV personality began her co-anchoring role on Monday alongside Guthrie, 53. That same day, Kotb surprised Melvin with a heartfelt poem that he read on air.

“Craig!” I’m moving forward, so hold out your hand. Take over, your world will expand. The adventures are endless…the people so dear. Great memories await you, year after year,” Kotb wrote. “First day! You are ready surrounded by love. Your team is one you can only dream of. Savannah, Al (Roker) and Carson (Daly) are here!

“With partners like these, your path is clear. From the seat inside 30 Rock, your fans are so impatient they’re watching the clock. The time has come to rise like the sun. I’m cheering you on and have a fabulous race! XOXO Hoda.