Hoda Kotb Praises Craig Melvin as Her “Today” Co-Anchor Replacement: 'You Are Made for This Job'

Melvin will join Savannah Guthrie as the co-anchor in January

Nearly two months after Hoda Kotb announced her departure from the Today show, it's been revealed that Craig Melvin will be step into her co-anchor role beginning in January.

Kotb had nothing but praise for her replacement. "You are made for this job," Kotb said during the on-air announcement on Nov. 14. "You are literally made for this job. You are that kind of good. You have all the things that this job needs. You're the right person for it."

Melvin extended his praise back at Kotb: "It means a lot to inherit this from you. You helped save the show and to be able to sit next to someone who I knew was smart for years and all of a sudden you start working with her and you're like, 'Wait a minute, she's funny too!' "

Related: Hoda Kotb Opens Up About Leaving Today to Be with Her Kids: 'Something's Gotta Give' (Exclusive)

Melvin will co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie beginning on Monday, Jan. 13, following Kotb's last day on the show, Friday, Jan. 10.

He currently hosts the third hour of Today alongside Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones and Dylan Dreyer — and will host three hours in a row in his new role.

On Nov. 14, Melvin called both Kotb and Guthrie "sisters that I never knew that I needed."

During the announcement, Roker joined virtually to congratulate Melvin. He began by recalling a moment they shared covering the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. When Melvin was having "some doubts," Roker said he assured him, "This is it, you're here, you've got it all."

"I knew this day would come," Roker added. "I am so proud and so happy for you right now. You are so worthy of this. I almost don't have the words. I love you."

Related: Craig Melvin Says Al Roker Has Supported Him in His 'Darkest Moments,' Saying He Was the 'First' to Call (Exclusive)

Melvin took a moment to reflect on his journey and thank his co-anchors.

"I am beyond excited and grateful," he began. "I want to thank NBC and the folks here who deemed me worthy. And I have to start by thanking the man upstairs, thank you my Lord above and his son Jesus. I enjoyed just a lifetime of blessings and this is the latest in a long line of blessings. I talked to mom and dad yesterday and I'm grateful they're still young enough to see this and enjoy the fruits of their labor."

He shared some of his backstory, praising his father, who he said was born in prison and overcame addiction, as one of "favorite human beings." He also celebrated his mother who worked a second job and "sacrificed" to provide for his family.

Melvin also thanked his kids, son Delano and daughter Sybil, and his wife Lindsay Czarniak, a sports broadcaster, for being there for him during the "long days and short nights" working his job. "[Lindsay's] been there for me from the beginning."

"People see us on TV every morning, what they don't see are the folks behind these cameras and downstairs. We have the best team in television news and it's an honor to be a part of that."

Before cutting to commercial break he added, "I'll try not to screw it up!"

Melvin began working on Today in 2018 when he was promoted to a weekday news anchor after working on MSNBC and NBC News.

"Craig is a super talented anchor," a source told PEOPLE when the news was announced. "He’s very well-rounded. He has all the things you want to fill this role."

A source also told PEOPLE that the fourth hour of Today, which Kotb currently co-hosts alongside Jenna Bush Hager, will feature a rotating panel of guest co-hosts next year.

"It will be Today with Jenna and Friends until a new host is named," the source tells PEOPLE, noting that it will also feature "fun surprises."

Today airs weekday mornings on NBC (check local listings).