In a move that marks the end of an era for American broadcast journalism, Lester Holt, the trusted anchor of NBC Nightly News, announced his departure from the flagship evening program on February 24, 2025, after nearly a decade at the helm. The 66-year-old veteran broadcaster, who took over the desk in June 2015 following Brian Williams’ demotion, signed off for the final time on May 30, 2025, in an emotional broadcast that drew praise for his poise and legacy. Holt’s exit isn’t a retirement—it’s a pivot to a full-time role on Dateline NBC, where he plans to dive deeper into long-form investigative reporting. “After 10 years… the time has come for me to step away from my role as anchor of Nightly News,” Holt wrote in a memo to staff, adding: “It has truly been the honor of a lifetime.” His decision, influenced by conversations with his wife Carol Hagen and close colleagues, reflects a desire for more creative freedom in storytelling that unfolds over weeks or months, rather than the daily grind of breaking news.

Holt’s tenure was defined by steady leadership during turbulent times: moderating presidential debates, covering global crises from COVID-19 to Ukraine, and earning the title of America’s “most trusted television news personality” in consecutive Hollywood Reporter polls. Under his watch, Nightly News maintained strong ratings, averaging 7 million viewers weekly, and Holt anchored specials like kids’ editions and election coverage with unflappable calm. Yet, as he told Variety, the nightly format limited deeper dives: “I want to say yes to producers for month-long stories—without jumping for the latest headline.”
Tom Llamas, the former ABC anchor who joined NBC in 2021, succeeds Holt as managing editor and anchor, with his debut praised for energetic delivery. Holt remains with NBC, expanding on Dateline‘s hour-long mysteries, a format he calls “different news muscles.”
Fans mourned the change: #ThankYouLester trended with 800k posts, messages like “The voice of reason in chaotic times” (@NewsJunkieUSA, 100k likes). Holt’s wife Carol, his partner since 1982, has been his anchor, their Manhattan life grounded in family (sons Stefan and Cameron, grandchildren). “She helped me see it’s time,” Holt shared.
Holt’s legacy? Integrity in an era of distrust. As he signs off, America’s evenings dim slightly—but his voice endures on Dateline. Good night, Lester—and thank you.