Craig Melvin Announces ‘Well-Deserved’ Time Off Amid Savannah Guthrie Return to ‘Today’

Craig Melvin is taking a short break from the “Today” anchor desk, just days after Savannah Guthrie returned to the show. During the April 9 broadcast, Guthrie shared that Melvin will be off starting April 13.

Melvin’s absence comes after a period of rotating anchors on the morning show while Guthrie was away dealing with a family situation.

Craig Melvin Announces Break From ‘Today’ Show

Guthrie confirmed on air that Melvin would be taking a vacation after covering the show during her absence.

“You’ve been holding it down here for a long time,” Guthrie said to Melvin. “So you’re gonna have a spring break. And Monday we’re gonna try a new host here.”

Melvin added that he plans to fully disconnect during his time off. He said he “won’t turn on the TV” while away, prompting Guthrie to respond,

“You’re not supposed to watch on your vacation.”

Melvin has not publicly shared where he will be traveling during his break. His time away follows a busy stretch on “Today,” during which he remained at the desk while other co-hosts rotated in and out.

Savannah Guthrie Returns to the Anchor Desk Amid Her Mother’s Ongoing Disappearance

Guthrie returned to “Today” on April 6 after being off the air for several weeks following the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie.

Authorities in Arizona continue to search for her mother, who is believed to have been taken from her home.

After returning to the anchor desk, Guthrie addressed viewers directly. “It felt good to be home,” she said. “Well, here we go. Ready or not, let’s do the news.”

During her absence, multiple familiar faces filled in, including Hoda Kotb, Sheinelle Jones, and Laura Jarrett. The show maintained a rotating lineup while Guthrie handled the situation involving her family.

Hoda Kotb Returns to ‘Today’ as Guest Co-Host

Kotb will temporarily rejoin Guthrie as a co-host during Melvin’s absence, marking another reunion for the longtime duo.

When Guthrie teased Kotb’s return, she said someone whose “name is Hoda” would be filling in. Melvin responded by joking that he had “heard of her.”

“I’m so glad to have you here, Hoda,” Guthrie said. Kotb replied, “I’m so happy sitting next to you in this chair again.”

Guthrie added, “It’s good. It’s just like the old times!”

Guthrie and Kotb previously made history as the first all-female anchor duo on “Today,” co-hosting together from 2018 until Kotb’s departure in January 2025. Kotb has returned to the show multiple times in recent months, including in February when she filled in during Guthrie’s absence.

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