Craig Melvin is following Hoda Kotb‘s legendary footsteps and Today The show staff couldn’t be more excited for him.

“Craig is so great that people were cheering when they got the staff member’s email,” says a source. Us Weekly. “He is the best; “Everyone is so excited for him.”

A second source adds: “He is truly one of the nicest, most humble, most generous people. People are extremely happy for him. The good guy won.”

On Thursday, November 14, it was announced that Melvin, 45, was: Kotb’s replacement for the first hour of the morning show his departureHe announced this in September.

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Hoda Kotb gave fans a big update ahead of her upcoming Today departure. The 60-year-old television star will officially leave the NBC morning show on January 10, 2025. “This will be our party day. So we’re going to have a party,” he shared on the Thursday, November 14 episode. Savannah Guthrie added: all (…)

As Today looked for who could replace Kotb, Melvin became the “standout” choice.

“He’s been there for Eddie, alongside Savannah and Hoda, for 7 years,” the first source says of Melvin. “It was the right choice, it was a clear choice, it was a choice that everyone could stand behind. He is very loved.”

One of Melvin’s biggest fans is Savannah Guthrie, whose news desk he will join in January. “They’ve been working with each other for 7 years,” the source continues, adding that they’re “good friends” who “hang out with their spouses… They’ve always had a tight brother-sister friendship.” “Savannah adores Craig and he adores her.”

During Laura Jarret was one of potential names An insider being considered for the role shares that the network has a “very strong group of people” to choose from.

“There are a lot of talented people in the reserves,” they share. “There’s a lot of talent that audiences really love.”

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Nathan Congleton/NBC Hoda Kotb’s official Today With Hoda & Jenna replacement has not yet been named. In addition to helming Today’s primetime newscast, Kotb, 60, also helms the fourth hour show with Jenna Bush Hager. However, Kotb will leave the broadcast channel in early 2025 and the program will recast Hoda (…)

The second source adds that Melvin’s previous experience also played a key role in him getting the new job.

“He’s done the Olympics, he’s done the presidential interviews,” says the insider. “He told big stories on the field.”

With the new title comes a new salary. The second source estimates Melvin will earn around “$5 or $6 million” from his new role.