Craig Melvin recently experienced a small but relatable slip-up while hosting Today, just weeks after stepping into a new role following Hoda Kotb’s departure. 

During the January 31 broadcast, Melvin, 45, momentarily reverted to old habits 

when he mistakenly referred to the fourth-hour program by its former name, “Today With Hoda & Jenna.”

Quickly realizing the mistake, he corrected himself on-air, saying with a laugh, “Oops, force of habit. Jenna & Friends.” 

The minor blunder was met with amusement, as longtime viewers understood that adjustments take time, especially when stepping into a new position.

Adjusting to Change

Since Kotb’s departure on January 10, the Today show’s fourth hour has undergone a rebranding, now officially titled Today With Jenna & Friends. Jenna Bush Hager, 43, has been leading the show alongside a rotating list of celebrity cohosts, including stars like Wynonna Judd, Ciara, and Scarlett Johansson.

Melvin’s mistake was a lighthearted moment, but it highlighted the significant change in the show’s structure. Hoda, a beloved presence on the show for years, left behind big shoes to fill, and Melvin, along with the rest of the Today team, is navigating this transition while keeping the show’s energy and camaraderie intact.

Hoda Kotb’s Emotional Departure

Fans were heartbroken when Kotb, 60, announced her decision to leave the show. However, she made it clear that the decision was not made lightly. In a recent interview, Kotb opened up about her thought process, explaining that the idea had been lingering in the back of her mind for some time.

“It was something that was nestled in the way-back of my mind, and especially with my kids and the ages they are, I thought about it on days that were long or days that I missed things,” she shared.

For Kotb, balancing her career and family life became a key factor in making the difficult decision. The longtime host is a dedicated mother to daughters Haley and Hope, and she ultimately realized that it was time to step away and embrace new opportunities.

Her milestone 60th birthday in August 2024 was the moment of clarity she needed. Reflecting on that day, she described how she looked out at the crowd gathered at the Today plaza and suddenly knew it was time to move forward.

“I looked outside, I looked out at the plaza, and I just knew,” she recalled. “This is the mountaintop. This is the top of the wave. I’ve reached the pinnacle. And I just knew. I thought to myself, ‘It’s time for the next wave, whatever it is.’”

Craig Melvin Steps Into a New Role

With Kotb stepping away, Melvin was officially named her replacement during the early hours of the Today show, where he now co-anchors alongside Savannah Guthrie. However, the network has yet to announce a permanent cohost for Jenna Bush Hager during the fourth-hour segment.

In the meantime, Bush Hager has been handling her solo hosting duties with the help of celebrity guest cohosts, a setup that has been well-received by both viewers and guests alike.

“It’s just wild — just the fact that these A-list stars who could be doing anything want to be sitting on our set is a testament to the show and to what we’ve built,” Bush Hager said about the evolving format.

A New Era for Today

While the show’s lineup has changed, the sense of camaraderie remains strong. Bush Hager admitted that she initially felt some nerves about hosting the fourth hour without a permanent cohost, but she credits the Today team for making the transition easier.

“Now, there’s this trepidation—‘I’m doing this show by myself.’ But I’m not doing it alone,” she explained. “We have this incredible team. And I honestly mean that, and I’m going to need them.”

Despite the adjustments, Today continues to thrive with Melvin and Bush Hager at the helm of their respective segments. Melvin’s quick correction after his on-air slip-up proved that even seasoned professionals are still adapting, but his confidence and natural charisma ensure that he’ll continue to be a valuable presence on the show.

As for Kotb, she may have left Today, but she remains an inspiring figure for both her colleagues and fans. Her decision to step away was a personal one, and while viewers will undoubtedly miss her, they respect and support her choice to embrace new possibilities.

With this new chapter unfolding, Melvin, Bush Hager, and the rest of the Today team are keeping the show’s legacy alive while embracing the exciting changes ahead.

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