Craig Melvin reflects on the friendship at TODAY that got him through his ‘darkest moments’

Al Roker has been Craig Melvin's partner in crime for all types of fun travel adventures, but he's also been there for him during the tough times.

Craig expanded on his friendship with the TODAY weatherman in an interview with People about the bond they've formed since Craig became part of the show.

While the two have had memorable travel adventures like their 2018 trip to South Korea, Craig has also endured trying times like the death of his brother Lawrence in 2020.

“Some of my darkest moments, personally, it’s been Roker who’s called first to check on me, check on my family," Craig told People, with elaborating on the details. "He got a text message this morning from my parents wishing him a happy birthday.”

Al also made him feel welcome when Craig first appeared on TODAY.

"You know what? It started, I was new to the show," he said. "And the TODAY show is a very, it's a delicate ecosystem. It’s been around for more than 70 years. It’s an American institution. The inner circle is tight and guarded. They had invited me into the inner circle, and he was the first one to welcome me with open arms.”

Al “just made it clear from the beginning that he had my back, and I’ve never forgotten that," Craig added.

The 3rd hour of TODAY co-hosts were able to spend some time together during their recent trip to cover the Olympics in Paris, where they tried out the shot put together. Craig also spent time with Al and his daughter Leila, who lives in the French capital.

“She took us on a croissant crawl because she lives there. So our families have become close,” Craig said. “And I do think that there’s probably a part of me, professionally in our business, you want that longevity that he’s enjoyed.”

Craig, 45, joined the rest of the TODAY family in wishing Al a happy 70th birthday on Aug. 20. He read Al a poem in his honor on the 3rd hour of TODAY.

"Even when the skies are dark, there's a fella who lights the way," Craig said then.

He is hoping his life can have a similar trajectory to his friend's.

“For me, personally, you look at the kind of life that he’s created and you’re like, ‘God, when I’m 70, I’d love to be that kind of dad, that kind of granddad, that kind of husband,'" he told People. "That’s who you want to be. And so, to be able to have a role model just a few inches from you every morning, it’s pretty cool. It’s not lost on me.”

This article was originally published on TODAY.com