Craig Melvin experienced a deeply emotional moment on Monday during his first episode co-anchoring *Today* alongside Savannah Guthrie. 

As a new addition to the program, replacing Hoda Kotb, the 45-year-old broadcaster found himself wiping away tears when his parents, 

Betty and Lawrence Melvin, made a surprise appearance to show their pride in his accomplishments.

The emotional moment unfolded when Betty, Craig’s mother, took a moment to speak about her son’s journey. 

“I have butterflies in my stomach today,” she began, reflecting on the pride she felt in seeing Craig reach this milestone. “I always knew he was going to do whatever it is,” she added. 

Betty spoke of the high expectations she set for Craig growing up, emphasizing that he had proven himself and truly deserved his success. 

“You are not going to disappoint anybody,” she said, her voice filled with love and admiration for her son.

Her husband, Lawrence, followed with his own heartfelt words. Before sharing a touching story, he and Craig shared a brief but emotional glance. Lawrence reflected on the time Craig would come home from school, excited to talk to his father despite Lawrence working the third shift. “He would come home from school… and he would always say, ‘Dad, let me tell you something,'” Lawrence recalled. “And I would say, ‘Dad needs to get some rest.'” But Craig, with his relentless spirit, would continue speaking, not letting his father’s exhaustion stop him from sharing his thoughts.

Overcome with emotion, Craig looked toward Savannah and thanked his parents, expressing that his achievements wouldn’t have been possible without their sacrifices. “I wouldn’t be sitting on this couch with you if it weren’t for those two,” Craig said, fighting back tears as he acknowledged the significant role his parents had played in his life.

This emotional exchange was particularly meaningful for Craig, who has previously opened up about his family’s difficult history. In November, after being named as Hoda Kotb’s successor, Craig shared the personal struggles his family had faced. He revealed that his father was born in prison, a detail that had deeply shaped his perspective. “My father’s mother had to take care of five kids,” Craig explained, “so she ran numbers and ran liquor for a long time and ended up in prison.” Despite these hardships, Craig’s father overcame addiction and became a source of inspiration for him.

Craig continued, acknowledging the sacrifices made by both his parents. “My mom, at one point, picks up a second job to sacrifice and provide for our family,” he said, struggling to hold back his tears. He expressed gratitude for both of them, recognizing the hard work that allowed him to pursue his dreams. “I’m grateful to them,” he said, his voice breaking slightly.

The heartfelt surprises didn’t stop with Craig’s parents. His wife of 14 years, Lindsay Czarniak, also made a surprise appearance with their two children, Delano, 10, and Sybil, 8. Lindsay, visibly emotional herself, shared her pride in her husband’s new role. “It’s surreal,” she said. “To me, it symbolizes belief because you dared to dream a dream and then to see it actually come true, it makes me think about someone making it to the Super Bowl or the game-winning catch. That’s what this feels like.”

Lindsay also praised Craig’s character, emphasizing that his kindness and authenticity are what made him truly special. “What makes me so proud is just the person that Melvin is,” she said. “It’s that, it is the kindness and how genuine he is.” The couple’s children joined in the celebration, beaming with excitement and joy as they supported their father on his milestone day.

For Craig, his first day on *Today* marked not only a professional achievement but also a deeply personal moment of reflection on his family’s influence and support. As he sat alongside Savannah Guthrie, surrounded by his loved ones, the emotions of the day were a testament to the hard work, love, and sacrifices that had shaped his journey to success.

Craig Melvin’s first day as co-anchor on *Today* was a celebration of perseverance, family, and the power of believing in oneself, with his parents and wife standing by him every step of the way. It was a day filled with love, emotion, and the recognition of how far Craig has come — all made possible by the unwavering support of his family.

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