Craig Melvin has recently stepped into a significant new role as the top anchor for *Today*, 

and during this exciting moment, he took a heartfelt opportunity to honor the two people

who played a pivotal role in his success: his parents, Betty Jo and Lawrence.

The emotional milestone was not just a professional achievement for Melvin

but also a moment to reflect on the unwavering support his parents provided throughout his life.

In a candid moment with *People*, Melvin spoke tearfully about his parents’ sacrifices, acknowledging that their belief in him was a foundation upon which his career was built.

“They believed in me long before anyone else,” he shared with a tear in his eye. “I didn’t fully appreciate how much they had sacrificed over the years.”

Melvin went on to emphasize the profound impact their efforts had on his life, adding, “Without them and the sacrifices they made when I was a kid, I’m not here.” His gratitude towards Betty Jo and Lawrence was clear as he reflected on the path they helped pave for his future.

On January 13, Melvin’s parents joined him on the *Today* set to celebrate his first day as the show’s new top anchor. The occasion was full of emotion, with his parents raising a glass of champagne in his honor alongside his co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.

Betty Jo, visibly proud of her son, shared a touching sentiment on the milestone. “I have butterflies in my stomach today. He deserves this. I love you,” she said, her words capturing the pride and joy of the moment.

The emotional significance of Craig’s first day as the lead anchor was made even more poignant with the support of his family.

His wife, Lindsay Czarniak, and their two children, Delano and Sybil, were also present at the *Today* show, adding an extra layer of warmth and personal significance to the celebration.

In a touching live moment, Delano, 10, and Sybil, 8, each shared heartfelt messages for their father. Craig reposted the touching moment on his Instagram, where Delano, in matching navy suits with his father, praised Craig as a “great dad” and told him he “deserved” the promotion. The exchange, full of love and admiration, was a clear reminder of the family bonds that helped shape Craig’s journey.

Sybil also shared a sweet message, reading a letter in which she described her dad’s loving qualities. “My dad loves to play with me, he loves tickle fights, and he watches TV shows with me,” she read, providing a heartfelt glimpse into the warmth of their father-daughter relationship.

Lindsay, who has supported Craig’s career from the very beginning, shared her perspective on the milestone as well. Reflecting on Craig’s promotion to *Today*’s top anchor, Lindsay likened it to a moment of triumph akin to a spouse making it to the Super Bowl.

“It’s surreal, and to me, it symbolizes belief because you know, you dare to dream a dream, and then to see it actually come true, it makes me think about a spouse making it to the Super Bowl, or like, the game-winning catch,” Lindsay said. Her comparison highlighted the magnitude of the achievement, underscoring the pride both she and the family felt.

Lindsay Czarniak, a seasoned sports anchor, has been married to Craig since 2011. The couple met in 2008 while working at the NBC affiliate WRC-TV in Washington, D.C., and tied the knot three years later. Lindsay’s impressive career includes working for ESPN, SportsCenter, and now serving as a reporter for FOX Sports covering NFL and NASCAR.

Together, Craig and Lindsay are raising their children in the suburbs of Connecticut, where they balance their careers with family life.

As Craig Melvin embarks on this new chapter of his career, it’s clear that the support from his parents, his wife, and their children has played an integral role in helping him achieve his dreams.

His new role as the *Today* anchor not only marks a major professional achievement but also a personal triumph, one that acknowledges the love, sacrifices, and dedication of those who have always believed in him.