Craig Melvin’s career is soaring to new heights! Find out how he’s balancing family life with his new column, Mr. Southern Living, where he shares heartfelt stories from his Southern roots and his personal traditions.👇👇👇

Today Show Host Craig Melvin Makes Huge Career Pivot After Replacing Hoda Kotb

In a surprising turn of events, Today show host Craig Melvin has recently added another skill to his already impressive list of accomplishments. In addition to co-anchoring Today with Savannah Guthrie since January 2025, Melvin is now expanding his career even further by taking on a new role as a columnist for Southern Living magazine. His debut column, titled “Mr. Southern Living,” will appear in the magazine’s June/July issue, marking yet another chapter in the broadcaster’s multifaceted career.

This career pivot comes on the heels of a significant professional shift for Melvin. In January, he stepped into the co-hosting chair on Today after Hoda Kotb took a break. This role has thrust him into the spotlight even more, with Melvin balancing his time between his high-profile job at NBC and his personal life as a husband and father to his two children, Delano and Sybil, with wife Lindsay Czarniak. Now, with his latest role as a Southern Living columnist, Melvin continues to demonstrate his versatility, blending his media career with a personal connection to his southern roots.

Melvin’s New Role: A Fresh Start as a Columnist

Melvin’s new column for Southern Living will give readers an inside look into his life growing up in the American South and how he’s continuing those cherished traditions with his own family. He teased his new role during an appearance on Today, explaining, “In my house you had EBONY, the Holy Bible, and you had Southern Living — that was it.” The column promises to be an honest, heartfelt look at Melvin’s upbringing, with a focus on family, food, and southern culture.

In his first contribution, Melvin will share personal stories ranging from his childhood memories of crabbing and beach days on Hilton Head Island to the family gatherings he enjoys today in Connecticut. He’ll also touch on his love for southern traditions, including the value of big family meals. “Here [in Connecticut, where I live now], there are foods that are designated for special occasions,” he explained. “If it’s a celebratory meal, maybe you’ll have fried whatever and collard greens or black-eyed peas and white rice. For us growing up, sometimes that was a random Wednesday. You don’t fully appreciate that until you move out of the South.”

This column is a way for Melvin to share not only his personal experiences but also his deep love for his southern heritage, and his readers are sure to connect with the stories of family bonding and memories that resonate with so many.

Family Time and Southern Traditions

Melvin has always been vocal about the importance of family in his life, and his column will be no exception. He shared with Southern Living how he and his children, Delano and Sybil, as well as his wife, Lindsay, make family meals a priority, even in the hustle and bustle of their busy lives. “We do Sunday dinner in this little booth in our basement,” he said. “If it’s a good Sunday, the kids are getting along and we can reflect on the week that was and look forward to the one ahead.” This intimate family time serves as a grounding force for Melvin, providing a moment of respite amid his hectic schedule.

He also shared his fondness for traveling to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, where the family enjoys traditions like crabbing and seashell hunting. The memories made on these trips are close to Melvin’s heart, and he’s eager to pass down those experiences to his children. “If you’re not doing it with family, you’re wasting a week. It’s all about making good memories,” he remarked, demonstrating his commitment to creating lasting bonds with his loved ones.

Melvin’s Southern Charm and Personal Anecdotes

Part of what makes Melvin’s column so compelling is his ability to blend humor, heart, and a genuine love for his heritage. He admitted that his southern accent is something that’s stayed with him despite his years in the Northeast. “I still talk about as slow as I did growing up in Columbia, much to the dismay of many a network producer,” he joked. “I’m in no hurry to finish a sentence.” His humor and down-to-earth charm come through in his writing, making his column feel like a conversation with an old friend.

Melvin’s experiences growing up in the South, his transition to life in Connecticut, and the ways in which he’s adapted those traditions to fit his family’s life today provide readers with a unique and relatable perspective. He’s not just another celebrity telling stories about his upbringing—he’s a man who genuinely values his roots and is committed to sharing them with his audience.

A Multi-Faceted Career and Growing Influence

Craig Melvin’s new role as a columnist is just the latest in his ever-expanding career. Since joining Today in 2018, he has steadily built a reputation as a versatile and relatable broadcaster. His transition into the co-hosting role following Hoda Kotb’s absence has been well-received, and his new venture into writing for Southern Living only adds to his growing influence in the media world.

In addition to his new column, Melvin continues to shine as a journalist, contributing to Dateline and making regular appearances on NBC News. He’s also used his platform to champion important issues, including raising awareness around social justice topics and encouraging others to engage in meaningful conversations. His ability to balance multiple roles—father, husband, journalist, and now columnist—shows his capacity for managing the demands of his career while still staying true to his values and personal life.

A Bright Future for Melvin and His Family

As Craig Melvin continues to expand his media presence, both through his work on Today and his new column, it’s clear that his career is just getting started. Fans will likely see more of Melvin in the coming years, whether on the Today show or through his writing, as he continues to use his platform to connect with audiences on a deeper level. His focus on family, southern traditions, and the importance of personal connections resonates with many, making him a beloved figure in both the media and his community.

Whether he’s hosting Today, writing for Southern Living, or spending time with his family, Craig Melvin’s authenticity, humor, and commitment to his roots ensure that his career will continue to thrive. With new opportunities on the horizon, there’s no telling where his journey will take him, but one thing is certain—he’s just getting started.