I am beyond excited and grateful,” Melvin said, thanking “NBC and the folks here who deemed me worthy.” He begins as co-host in January.

Staffers chanted, “Craig, Craig, Craig!” at a staff meeting when Savannah Guthrie welcomed them to the “Craig era!”

Craig Melvin will become the co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show beginning early next year, following the departure of Hoda Kotb. He will join Savannah Guthrie on Monday, January 13. Kotb’s final day on the morning show will be Friday,