Hoda Kotb exited the 'Today' show on Jan. 10, making way for Melvin to replace her in the co-anchor seat It’s the start of a new era on the Today show. After Hoda Kotb exited the NBC morning show on Friday,

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.

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 is moving into TODAY's co-anchor seat alongside Savannah Guthrie, following Hoda Kotb's departure. He will continue to co-host the 3rd hour of TODAY. “I am beyond excited and grateful,” Craig said on TODAY Nov. 14, the day his new role was announced. “This is the latest in a long line of blessings.”

Melvin was surprised by his family and friends during a special segment commemorating his first day It’s Craig Melvin’s first day on the job! The anchor made his debut as co-anchor of the Today show alongside Savannah Guthrie on Monday,

“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.”

Teary-eyed, Melvin read aloud the letter Kotb wrote to him, which read: "I'm moving forward, so reach back your hand. Grab the baton, your world will expand. The adventures are endless, the people so dear. Great memories await, year after year."

Craig Melvin made his official debut as a Today show co-anchor during the Monday, January 13, broadcast, and there was no shortage of emotion on the set. After a tribute video pla

Hoda Kotb’s last day on the Today Show was Friday, January 10. The longtime reporter may no longer be one of the main anchors of the morning show but she remains within the NBC family. Kotb will contribute regular stories to Today,

The news was met with cheers from Sheinelle, Hoda, Jenna and Carson Daly, who were sitting on the couch alongside him. The TODAY family laughs together as they gift Craig Melvin a box of tissues ...

Craig Melvin took over her co-anchor spot on Monday, Jan. 13. His co-anchor Savannah Guthrie offered her support as did weatherman Al Roker. But it was Carson Daly who couldn’t help but joke ...

Related: Carson Daly Jokes Today Show Has 'No Sign of Hoda Anywhere,' as Craig Melvin Takes Over as Anchor: 'Surprised by It Too' "I'm moving forward, so reach back your hand. Grab the baton ...