A Very Familiar Face Is Sitting in for Hoda Kotb on the ‘Today’ Show

Longtime viewers who tuned into the Today show this morning may have noticed that Hoda Kotb’s fellow co-host, Savannah Guthrie, was joined by a very familiar face during Kotb’s absence, one who needs no introduction.

News anchor Craig Melvin sat in to host Today alongside Guthrie earlier this morning. The 48-year-old broadcast journalist is best known for hosting the third hour of the early morning show. But today, he subbed in as a guest host for Kotb.

Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images

Kotb was out both Monday and Tuesday. She previously took some much need time off to care for her three-year-old daughter Hope Catherine, who recently received medical treatment in the hospital.

Kotb stepped away from the show for two weeks earlier this month. She initially returned on Monday, March 6, and explained the reason behind her absence.

“My youngest, Hope, was in the ICU for a few days and in the hospital for a little more than a week,” Hoda shared with viewers. “I’m so grateful she’s home...I was waiting for that day to come, and we are watching her closely. I’m just so happy.”

The mother of two personally thanked fans for all their love and support during this difficult time. “I’m grateful for the doctors...who were amazing and the nurses,” she added. “I’m grateful to my family, and I’m grateful to friends like you [Savannah] who were there every single day. So, I want to say thank you for that. I love you.”

Sending so much love to Hoda and her family at this time.

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