Craig Melvin gets choked up during final MSNBC show: 'Thank you for letting me into your homes'

Longtime MSNBC host Craig Melvin gave an emotional farewell during the final newscast of his network talk show Thursday.

Melvin assured viewers that his departure, after almost 10 years on air, does not mean he’s “leaving NBC News,” as he will continue his work on the “Today” show and Dateline NBC, which he’s hosted since 2012 and 2007 respectively.

But Melvin said he will miss his morning timeslot and the news coverage he was able to be a part of. "This nearly decade-long stretch of hosting a cable news program has been a tremendous honor," he said.

"I’m so very thankful for the opportunity to really have had a front-row seat to so much history: tumultuous campaigns, elections, natural disasters, far too many mass shootings and of course, a global pandemic," Melvin signed off. "So many of the stories I’ve covered here, and the people that I’ve met on assignments, have moved me in myriad ways – some days sad, angry, confused, but always hopeful."

He added: "We’ve tried to traffic in facts and truth and let you make up your mind every day, and I’m very proud of that. We’ve gone out of our way to highlight not merely the death, doom or destruction. We’ve tried to introduce you to ordinary people doing the extraordinary."

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Melvin’s departure was confirmed earlier this month by Variety and the Los Angeles Times, and follows other MSNBC anchors who recently stepped away from the network, such as Brian Williams and Rachel Maddow. Maddow is on hiatus from her prime time show until April to work on several projects including a new podcast, a film adaptation of her first book and a podcast about former Vice President Spiro Agnew.

Melvin also thanked the people who've been instrumental in his career success, both professionally and personally.

The 42-year-old anchor thanked his newsroom colleagues, including MSNBC President Rashida Jones, "who gets it, and whose vision for news and what this place can be is quite exciting."

Melvin also got choked up while highlighting the support he’s received from his family over the years.

"My mom cultivated the curiosity that landed me here, and my dad, who taught me hard work pays off: It's not how you start, it’s how you finish," said Melvin, on the verge of tears. "And my wife Lindsay, who's endured long days and short nights and last-minute travel – the glue that really keeps it all together."

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Melvin concluded his farewell by thanking viewers for their loyalty.

"Thank you for letting me into your homes, your businesses, and your vehicles for an hour every day," Melvin said. "I appreciate you seeing the value in journalism, showcasing the plight of the least among us, simply asking questions and waiting for answers. We need it now perhaps more than we ever have."

Fans took to social media to share their appreciation.

"Gonna miss Craig Melvin on MSNBC. Classy man," Twitter user @leftypatriot wrote.

"Wow - you had me in tears, Craig Melvin! What a gift you are in our lives!!"@stillwaters_ tweeted. "God's blessings in all that lies ahead!"

"I will miss you, Craig Melvin. Enjoyed every hour that you were reporting," @shelley212 tweeted. "Will still see you on Today and Dateline! Hope this gives you more time with your family."

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Contributing: David Bauder, The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Craig Melvin: MSNBC anchor gives emotional goodbye during last show