How Lester Holt Signed Off Last NBC Nightly News

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Lester Holt is saying good night to NBC Nightly News.

The longtime journalist, 66, emotionally signed off May 30 after more than a decade on the show.

Before wrapping up for tonight, let me say a few words about myself. You might remember the news I shared some time ago about moving on from my role here at Nightly News to focus more on hosting Dateline. Today marks that moment, and unfortunately, it’s my last appearance on this evening news program after a decade of service.

Holt went on to reflect on his legacy.

In his role as the host, he expressed his pride in guiding this show and being accepted into your homes. He’s deeply appreciative of your faith in him. Here, truth, language, journalism, and you are all equally valued. Over the past ten years, we’ve faced challenging times together – from the pandemic, mass shootings, and natural disasters – which have tested our strength and kindness. That’s why I always like to end on a positive note, sharing moments that bring joy, strengthen us, and unite us.

He then thanked his behind-the-scenes team, welcoming out the crew that makes his show possible.

Holt expressed, “I’m going to really cherish our shared nights, as well as the team behind them – my valued friends and coworkers. For the time being, though, all I can do is express gratitude. Firstly, to my wonderful family who have been so understanding and patient throughout this.

As your trusted lifestyle guide, I’m excited to share a bit of personal news from my professional life. Back in 1982, I tied the knot with the wonderful Carol Hagen. Fast forwarding to the present, I find myself eagerly anticipating the premiere of my successor, Tom Llamas’ show, which is set to air on Monday. In the spirit of camaraderie and shared passion for quality broadcasting, I extend my heartfelt wishes for great success to Tom as he embarks on this new journey.

He ended his communication with his characteristic positivity: “I look forward to connecting with you on Dateline. Until then, remember to prioritize self-care and care for one another. Rest assured, I will be doing the same.

Beginning in February, Holt revealed his intention to relinquish his current role and move into a full-time position at Dateline. He’s been a key anchor there for nearly 15 years, joining the team back in September 2011.

Lester expressed that he felt joy when reflecting upon the fact that he’s anchored two of the most distinguished and renowned television news programs, Nightly News and Dateline, in broadcast history. In a message to staff members of both shows, shared by NBC News, he stated this at one point. As a young radio journalist covering police beats and chasing breaking news around San Francisco when I was 20 years old, I would have never envisioned that my professional journey would take the course it has.

He added of his journey, “What an amazing ride.”

In 2012, when I stepped into Today’s third hour during my tenure, I must express my gratitude to Holt for creating an environment that made me feel utterly at ease.

43-year-old host expressed on social media, “It has been a genuine privilege to progress and collaborate with him since then, from hurricane coverage to NBC Nightly News and fun experiments on Nightly Kids. A seasoned professional, outstanding interviewer, anchor, and friend. I extend my warmest congratulations as you embark on this new chapter of your inspiring career!

Keep reading for a closer look at the Today show family…

Following his declaration, Savannah Guthrie and Dylan Dreyer, among other colleagues at the Today show, took a moment to reminisce about the shared experiences they had with their anchor, Holt.

Kudos to @lesterholtnbc on an outstanding decade and the upcoming fresh start! Guthrie posted this on Instagram, sharing a picture of working with him during the November presidential election coverage. I’m thankful for the chance to witness numerous significant moments together – you’ve always been a true gentleman.

Regarding Dreyer, she expressed gratitude towards Holt for making her feel at ease when she joined the third hour of Today in 2012.

In a heartfelt post on social media accompanied by pictures of us together, the 43-year-old host expressed: “It’s been a genuine privilege to learn and progress side by side with him – from our initial assignments, through hurricane coverage, up to @nbcnightlynews, and even fun projects on @nightlykids. A skilled professional, an outstanding interviewer, and above all, a cherished friend. Here’s to the next exciting chapter in your remarkable career that continues to inspire us!

Keep reading for a closer look at the Today show family…

The hostess of the third hour on Today also has a son named Kayin, as well as twins Uche and Clara, with her late spouse Uche Ojeh. Tragically, he lost his life in May 2025 after a valiant fight against brain cancer.

In a 2015 essay for Today, she expressed that she emphasizes to all her three children that they form a team and should look out for one another. Simultaneously, she acknowledges that it’s crucial for each of them to feel unique and valued individually.

In the year 2014, three years after tying the knot with broadcasting colleague Lindsay Czarniak in 2011, he achieved his dearest role to date – that of a father.

And now, he seizes every opportunity to gush about their son Delano and daughter Sybil.

During a May 2024 episode of Today, Melvin told his son, “One of the reasons I put in so much effort every day is because of you and your sister.

On the show “Today with Jenna & Friends,” Jenna’s co-host and her spouse, Henry Hager, take pride in their children Mila, Poppy, and Hal.

During a morning show episode in March 2025, she expressed her belief that, despite its imperfections, the number three is perfectly suited for our family.

The ex-host penned down, “Another Halloween has passed,” as she rejoiced with her daughter, Haley Joy, on this special day.

Previously, the host of NBC’s Nightly News, now has two sons, Stefan Holt and Cameron Holt, together with his spouse Carol Hagen.

But more recently, he became a proud “granddude” to three grandchildren: Henry, Samuel and James.

In 2021 on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Holt stated that when his daughter-in-law was expecting her first child, he asked, “What would you prefer to call me?” To which he expressed his preference for the term ‘Granddude’. He explained that ‘grand’ acknowledges his age, but ‘dude’ implies a hint of youthfulness and vitality.

 
 

The anchor and his spouse, Siri Pinter, shared joyful news as they brought their fourth baby girl, Goldie Patricia Daly, into the world!

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share that Hoda’s ex-colleague is a cherished mother to her beautiful children, Cassidy Gifford and Cody Gifford. They were blessed with these two angels before the loss of their beloved husband, Frank Gifford.

The television personality is a mother to two young children, Vale Guthrie Feldman and Charles Max Feldman, alongside her husband Mike Feldman. She gave birth to Charles in December 2016.

The anchor and his wife, Deborah Roberts, are parents to Leila Roker and Nicholas Albert Roker.

Since the year 2003, the host of Sunday Today has been in a marital bond with his wife Christina. Together they are proud parents to their two kids, George William Geist and Lucie Joy Geist.

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2025-05-31 02:17