Hoda Kotb and Craig Melvin had a secret code phrase for referring to him replacing her ahead of the official announcement on Today. Melvin, 45, told The New York Times in an interview published on Thursday,

I am beyond excited and grateful,” Melvin said, thanking “NBC and the folks here who deemed me worthy.” He begins as co-host in January.

Craig Melvin will become the new co-anchor of NBC’s Today, following the departure of Hoda Kotb in January. The announcement was made on this morning’s broadcast. Kotb’s final day on the show will be on Jan.