After being with MSNBC for over a decade, American news anchor Craig Melvin bid adieu to the channel and his audience with words of gratitude and tears in his eyes.

During his final segment on Thursday, the 42-year-old thanked his viewers for  “letting him into their homes.”

“I want to take a quick moment to thank my parents. My mom cultivated the curiosity…. that landed me here,” an emotional Melvin said as he took a brief pause.

“My dad who taught me hard work pays off. It’s not how you start but how you finish. And my wife Lindsay, who’s endured long days and short nights and last-minute travel. The glue that really keeps it all together,” he added.

“And thank you for letting me into your homes, your businesses, and your vehicles for an hour every day. I appreciate you seeing the value in journalism,” Melvin told his viewers.

As Melvin walks out leaving his 11 am segment ‘Craig Melvin Reports’ behind, the network has decided to bring in temporary anchors until a permanent replacement is found. 

On March 14, an MSNBC representative confirmed Melvin’s departure from the network. 

Also Read: Dr Anthony Fauci wants Fox News host fired for ‘kill shot’ comments

Reacting to the news, one internet user wrote, “”@craigmelvin Noooooooooo! Another GREAT anchor bites the dust at @MSNBC? I can’t bear it. I will miss you SO MUCH. What is going on there? Every replacement is conservative. I’m truly horrified.”

Another user added, “@craigmelvin it’s an honor to get to watch you. You’re an icon @MSNBC god bless sir.”

Also Read: News network ratings skyrocket after Russian invasion of Ukraine

Melvin ventured into media after graduating from Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He began his career as a news anchor for WIS News10, an NBC-CW affiliate. 

Also Read: Fox News earns top ratings spot with Afghanistan coverage

Apart from working on Craig Melvin Reports and Today, the journalist has previously worked as a weekday anchor and co-host of NBC‘s Saturday Today.