SHOCKING REVEAL: Craig Melvin Believes Hoda Kotb Was Pushed Out of $8M Today Job – ‘No One Leaves These Jobs’

In a candid interview with Parade Magazine, Craig Melvin shared his shock over the unexpected departure of his long-time colleague, Hoda Kotb, from NBC’s Today show. Melvin, who has worked alongside Kotb for years, was stunned when Hoda walked into his dressing room to inform him that she was leaving the iconic morning show after nearly three decades.

“I was legit stunned,” Melvin recalled. Hoda knocked on his door one morning, a gesture he found unusual. She sat him down and shared the news: she would be leaving Today. Melvin’s immediate reaction was one of disbelief—“Are you sick? Is everything okay?” he asked. His confusion stemmed from the rarity of someone voluntarily leaving such a prestigious position, especially when they were at the height of their career.

“No one leaves these jobs on their own,” Melvin admitted. His concern grew as he asked her, “Are they forcing you out?” to which Hoda responded, “No, Craig, I’m okay. I’m leaving.”

Despite Hoda’s assurance, Melvin remained puzzled by her decision. It was clear from their conversation that Hoda had made the decision to step away from Today on her own terms. Still, Melvin couldn’t shake the feeling that there might be more to the story.

The Shocking Announcement: Was Hoda Pushed Out?

The revelation about Hoda’s departure initially shocked fans, as it came at a time when she was making a significant salary—rumored to be around $20 million a year. However, reports later suggested that her salary was more likely in the range of $7 to $8 million annually. Despite these financial details, Hoda explained her decision to leave the show wasn’t about money; rather, it was motivated by her desire to spend more time with her two daughters, Haley (8) and Hope (5), especially as she turned 60.

Yet, there were whispers in the industry about NBC bosses potentially proposing a pay cut for Hoda, which could have played a role in her decision. Melvin, who now takes over as Savannah Guthrie’s co-anchor, shared that it never occurred to him that Hoda would leave—until the moment she told him.

“I never dreamed that any of this would happen, which I think makes it even sweeter,” Melvin said of the unexpected turn of events. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Hoda’s departure, Melvin’s rise to co-anchor was a big moment for him, and he couldn’t be more excited about it.

A Heartfelt Goodbye from Hoda Kotb

As Melvin took over the position in January 2025, Hoda shared a heartwarming message, telling him, “Craig, you were made for this job. You literally were made for this job.” Hoda, who had been with Today for over 25 years, expressed confidence in Melvin’s ability to take on the co-anchor role alongside Savannah Guthrie.

In a November episode, Hoda, still emotional about the transition, continued, “You have all the things that this job needs. You’re the right person for it.” Melvin, in turn, expressed his gratitude for the trust Hoda placed in him, saying it meant a lot to inherit such an important position from someone as accomplished as her.

Melvin also shared his excitement with Parade, admitting that outside of significant life events like getting married and having children, “I don’t know if I’ve ever been more excited about something.”

The Start of a New Era for Craig Melvin

As Craig Melvin officially began his co-anchor role alongside Guthrie on January 2025, the future of Today seemed brighter than ever. Fans have shown overwhelming support for Melvin, eager to see how the new dynamic between him and Savannah will unfold. The transition was made all the more emotional when Hoda surprised Melvin with a heartfelt poem, which he read on-air during his first week in the role.

It’s clear that while Hoda’s exit may have come as a surprise to many, the Today show will continue to thrive under the leadership of Melvin and Guthrie. However, the question still remains: Was Hoda really forced out, or was her decision to leave entirely her own?

As the dust settles, fans are left wondering what’s next for Hoda Kotb and Craig Melvin in their respective careers, and whether we’ll ever learn the full story behind her shocking exit from Today.