Craig Melvin's devastating family history revealed as he takes over from Hoda Kotb on the Today show
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As Craig Melvin fronts the Today show for the first time as co-anchor, he is thankful that his parents can 'enjoy the fruits of their labor' following their tough backstory. The broadcaster, 45, has officially taken over as Hoda Kotb's replacement on the NBC program alongside long-serving star Savannah Guthrie.
![[Craig pictured on his graduation day with his mom, Betty, and his father, Lawrence, as well as his brother]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/11/14/15/92073031-14082903-image-m-59_1731597272600.jpg)
Craig hasn't shied away from sharing the battles his mom and dad endured over the years, and has expressed just how grateful he is for them. After being named as Hoda's successor in November, Craig opened up about his devastating family history and revealed his dad was 'born in prison.'.
![[Craig, pictured here with his father and his son, Del, described his dad as 'one of my favorite human beings']](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/11/14/15/92073037-14082903-image-m-61_1731597848083.jpg)
'I talked to Mom and Dad yesterday. I'm thankful that they're still young enough and healthy enough to be able to see this and enjoy the fruits of their labor, and you all know my back story,' he said. 'My mother's mother was an elementary school custodian, and my father's mother had to take care of five kids, so she ran numbers and ran liquor for a long time and ended up in prison.'.
![[Craig recalled how his mother picked up a second job to 'sacrifice and provide' for the family when he was growing up]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/11/14/15/92073049-14082903-image-a-62_1731597891090.jpg)
'My dad was born in prison, that didn't define him. He overcame addictions in his life and he's become one of my favorite human beings,' Craig continued as his voice broke slightly. 'And my mom, at one point, picks up a second job to sacrifice and provide for our family, and so I'm grateful to them,' he added, fighting back tears.
![[In his speech, Craig thanked his wife of 13 years Lindsay Czarniak and said 'she's been there for me from the beginning']](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/13/12/92071751-14271671-In_his_speech_Craig_thanked_his_wife_of_13_years_Lindsay_Czarnia-a-1_1736769847109.jpg)
