Craig Melvin is getting candid on Hoda Kotb’s “At present” exit.
The anchor was so stunned his fellow journalist was leaving NBC after almost 30 years that he requested Kotb if the choice to depart wasn’t hers.
“My dressing room is 2 over from hers, and he or she knocks on my door one morning, which was uncommon. And he or she’s like, ‘You’ve got a second?’” Melvin, 45, recalled in an interview with Parade journal on Friday. “She got here in, and he or she mentioned, ‘I simply needed to inform you one thing. I’m leaving.’”
The reporter famous that his “preliminary response was, ‘Are you sick? Is every little thing OK?’ I used to be like, ‘Nicely, nobody leaves these jobs on their very own.’”
Kotb, 60, knowledgeable Melvin she needed to step away from the present whereas she was “on prime,” however he nonetheless wasn’t satisfied.
“I used to be like, ‘Are they forcing you out?’ She’s like, ‘No Craig, I’m OK. I’m leaving,’” he recalled. “I used to be legit shocked, a lot in order that after she left, I went again to her dressing room, and I used to be like, ‘Are you certain you’re OK?’ It takes a sure type of braveness to depart something while you’re on the peak of your sport.”
In September final yr, Kotb made the stunning announcement that she can be leaving “At present” firstly of 2025.
Puck Information reported on the time that Kotb was making greater than $20 million a yr and determined to depart after NBC bosses proposed a pay minimize.
Nevertheless, a senior NBC supply estimated that Kotb was really making $7-8 million yearly.
However the mom-of-two defined that her choice was really influenced by turning 60 and eager to spend extra time along 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 have been made for this job. You have been actually made for this job. You might be that type of good,” Kotb gushed throughout a November episode. “You’ve got all of the issues that this job wants. You’re the correct individual for it.”
Melvin gave the love proper again, stating: “It means loads to inherit this from you. You’ve been the center of this place for a very long time. You helped save this present.”
The broadcaster, in the meantime, instructed Parade that he “by no means dreamed that any of this is able to occur, which I believe makes it even sweeter.”
Melvin, who shares son Delano, 10, and daughter Sybil, 8, with spouse, Lindsay Czarniak, added, “Exterior of getting married and having my youngsters, I don’t know if I’ve ever been extra enthusiastic about one thing.”
The TV persona started his co-anchor place on Monday alongside Guthrie, 53. The day of, Kotb stunned Melvin with a heartfelt poem which he learn on air.
“Craig! I’m transferring ahead, so attain again your hand. Seize the baton, your world will develop. The adventures are infinite … the individuals so expensive. Nice reminiscences await, yr after yr,” Kotb wrote. “Day One! You might be prepared surrounded by love. Your workforce is the type you possibly can solely dream of. Savannah, Al [Roker] and Carson [Daly] are right here!
“With companions like these, your runway is evident. From out on the plaza, to inside 30 Rock, Your followers are so keen, they’re watching the clock. The time has arrived to rise just like the solar. I’m cheering for you, and a wonderful run! XOXO Hoda.”