'Today' Star Craig Melvin Calls Hoda, Jenna and Savannah His "Sisters"

It turns out, the anchors on the Today show aren't just coworkers — they're family.

In case you missed it, NBC recently made the big announcement that Craig Melvin, longtime co-host for the Today show's Third Hour alongside Sheinelle Jones Dylan Dreyer , would be taking over for Hoda Kotb after her upcoming departure from the show . After the news broke, Craig took to Instagram to share his gratitude, respond to warm wishes from fans on social media and give a special shoutout to the women he's worked alongside for nearly 14 years. In a post shared by the Today show's Instagram account, Craig expressed some sweet sentiments while sitting with a tearful Sheinelle, Hoda, Savannah GuthrieJenna Bush HagerCarson Daly

"I want people to know, I didn't have sisters, but you guys are the sisters that I never knew that I needed," he said in the clip, following a celebratory bourbon toast that also went viral for the funny facial reactions the cast gave on screen. "To inherit this from you," he said specifically to Hoda, "you've been the heart of this place for a long time. You helped save this show..." He then directed his attention toward Savannah saying, "And to be able to sit next to someone who I knew was smart for years and all of a sudden, you start working with her [Hoda] and you're like, wait a minute, she's funny too."

Although these were only a few of the touching sentiments Craig shared last Thursday while basking in the glow of his huge career news, like Sheinelle, some of the anchors were overcome with emotions in the comment section on social media.

"Meant to be Craig!!!! Show em how it's done ," Hoda commented. "We love you so much," Savannah said. Jenna simply wrote, "." And the fans were just as quick to gush. "Loving all this brother/sisters energy," one fan chimed in. "Well deserved CLASS ACT!" another said. "So glad it went to Craig! He's real, he's personable... Another win for the good guys, Today Show!" a different person wrote. A fan commended the group, saying, "What a beautiful emotional expression. Congratulations Craig."

It's reported that Craig will still host the third hour of the show as he usually does in addition to this new gig, and he's expected to take over for Hoda in early January, following Hoda's official departure on Friday January 10, 2025 .

And for fans who may be wary of the change after tuning in to watch Hoda for such a long time, Craig jokingly assured Hoda, "I'll try not to screw it up."

We know he'll be great!