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5 Shocking Details About Lester Holt Stepping Down From NBC Nightly News (And Why He Isn't Retiring)

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The news that dominated the media landscape in 2025 was the announcement that veteran journalist Lester Holt would be stepping away from the anchor desk of "NBC Nightly News." As of today, December 23, 2025, the transition is complete, and the iconic anchor has signed off from the flagship broadcast after nearly a decade at the helm.

For millions of viewers, the move immediately sparked questions about a full-scale retirement, but the reality is a significant career pivot. Holt has traded the nightly grind of the evening news for a deeper, more focused role, allowing him to pursue a different kind of journalism that he is passionate about.

Lester Holt: A Full Biography and Career Milestones

Lester Don Holt Jr. is one of the most respected and trusted figures in American broadcast journalism, with a career spanning over four decades. His journey from local radio to the anchor chair of a major network's evening news program is a testament to his dedication to reporting.

  • Full Name: Lester Don Holt Jr.
  • Date of Birth: March 8, 1959
  • Age (as of 2025): 66
  • Place of Birth: Marin County, California, U.S.
  • Education: Attended California State University, Sacramento (dropped out in 1979 to pursue a radio career).
  • Wife: Carol Hagen-Holt (married since 1982).
  • Children: Two sons, including Stefan Holt, who is also a television news anchor.
  • Early Career: Began his career in 1979 at a San Francisco radio station. He then spent 19 years with CBS, working at WCBS-TV in New York, KNXT (now KCBS-TV) in Los Angeles, and WBBM-TV in Chicago.
  • NBC News Career Start: Joined MSNBC in 2000 and began anchoring "Lester Holt Live."
  • Weekend Anchor: Served as the anchor for the weekend edition of "NBC Nightly News" for 17 years.
  • "Nightly News" Anchor: Took over as the primary anchor and managing editor of "NBC Nightly News" in 2015, following the departure of Brian Williams.
  • "Dateline NBC" Anchor: Has been the primary anchor of "Dateline NBC" since 2011.
  • Notable Achievements: Moderated the first presidential debate of the 2016 election cycle. He is known for his calm, objective delivery and his extensive field reporting from major global events.

The Real Reason Lester Holt Stepped Down from Nightly News

The announcement of Holt's departure from the "NBC Nightly News" anchor chair, which took effect in late May 2025, was met with surprise across the industry. However, the move was not a traditional retirement but rather a conscious choice to shift his focus and workload.

A Desire for Deeper, In-Depth Reporting

Holt himself explained that the decision was driven by a desire for greater flexibility to pursue in-depth, long-form journalism. The relentless schedule of a daily evening news broadcast, while prestigious, can limit the time available for extensive field reporting and documentary-style work.

In an internal memo to staff, Holt stated that after ten years in the weekday chair, and 17 years if including his time on the weekend broadcast, the time was right to step away.

The anchor consulted with his wife, Carol Hagen-Holt, and close confidants before making the final decision, emphasizing that it was a long-considered move, not a sudden impulse.

Transitioning to a Full-Time Dateline NBC Role

The most important detail that clarifies the "lester holt retiring" rumors is his new, expanded role at "Dateline NBC." He is not leaving NBC News; he is simply changing his primary focus.

Holt will continue as the primary anchor of the true-crime newsmagazine "Dateline NBC," a post he has held since 2011. Crucially, he is now taking on this role in a full-time capacity, allowing him to expand his "footprint" on the show and take on more ambitious projects.

This full-time commitment means viewers will see him more frequently in the field, anchoring special Dateline investigations, and engaging in the kind of long-form storytelling that the program is famous for. This move is a clear indication that Holt is dedicated to continuing his career in journalism, just on a different platform.

Who is Replacing Lester Holt on NBC Nightly News?

The departure of a major network anchor always sets off intense speculation about who will take over the coveted role. NBC News moved quickly to announce Holt's successor, paving the way for a new era of evening news.

The New Anchor: Tom Llamas

NBC National Correspondent Tom Llamas was officially named as the new anchor and managing editor of "NBC Nightly News," a significant promotion for the veteran journalist.

Llamas, who has been with NBC News for several years, took over the main anchor duties following Holt's final broadcast. He will also continue to host his streaming news show, "Top Story with Tom Llamas," on the NBC News NOW platform.

The selection of Llamas signals a strategic shift by NBC to cultivate talent from within its ranks while also bridging the gap between traditional broadcast news and its growing digital streaming operations.

A Legacy of Trust and Objectivity

Lester Holt's tenure on "NBC Nightly News" is widely regarded as a period of stability and trust. He anchored the program during some of the most tumultuous and politically charged years in recent American history.

His calm demeanor, objective reporting style, and commitment to fairness earned him a reputation as one of the most trusted figures in American media. His legacy is one of leading across boundaries, providing a steady hand during major national and global crises, and maintaining the integrity of the evening news broadcast.

While the keyword "lester holt retiring" is popular, the reality is that the journalist is simply pivoting to a new, exciting chapter. Viewers can look forward to seeing his familiar face and trusted voice continue to deliver powerful, in-depth stories on "Dateline NBC" for years to come.

lester holt retiring
lester holt retiring

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