Hoda Kotb, in a touching gesture before her departure from the TODAY show, penned a heartfelt poem for her successor, Craig Melvin. As she prepares for her last day on January 10, Hoda’s words provide not only wisdom but encouragement for Craig, who will begin his role as co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie on January 13.
In a pre-recorded message, Hoda expressed her pride in Craig, saying, “First of all, I’m so proud of you, and I wanted to let you know just how proud of you I am. You’re going to be fantastic.” Accompanying her message, she mentioned that she will place the poem in a “secret hiding place” for Craig to discover on his first day, humorously adding that Savannah knows the location.
The poem itself is a heartfelt mix of inspiration and camaraderie. It emphasizes the exciting journey that lies ahead for Craig, encouraging him to embrace his new role with confidence. Lines such as, “Grab the baton, your world will expand,” and “Your team is the kind you can only dream of,” highlight the support and strong team dynamic that Craig can expect as he transitions into this prominent position on the show.
Hoda’s words end with a resounding cheer for Craig: “I am cheering for you, and a fabulous run!” This closing encapsulates the warmth and support that characterizes the culture at TODAY.
As Hoda leaves a legacy of encouragement, it is heartening to see the bond of cooperation and friendship fostered among the anchors. Viewers can look forward to witnessing how Craig will carry on the TODAY spirit with Savannah and the rest of the team.
This heartfelt exchange not only marks a significant transition for Craig but also reinforces the strong ties among the hosts, promising an exciting new chapter for the TODAY show.