For millions of viewers, Lester Holt has been the trusted voice delivering the day’s most important stories on NBC’s Nightly News. Calm, steady, and always composed, Holt has become a staple in American households for years. But now, fans are buzzing with one big question—when is Lester Holt leaving NBC’s Nightly News, and what’s next for the iconic journalist?
When is Lester Holt leaving NBC’s Nightly News?
As of now, Holt hasn’t pinned down an exact date for his final Nightly News broadcast. However, he did share that he plans to step away from the anchor desk “around the start of summer.” While we don’t have an official last day on the calendar just yet, Holt has assured viewers that he will provide more details soon.
So why the big move? Well, Holt isn’t leaving journalism altogether. Instead, he’s shifting gears to focus full-time on Dateline NBC, the long-running true crime and investigative show where he’s already played a significant role. In his announcement, Holt mentioned his excitement about “crafting Dateline hours on subjects I care deeply about” and working more closely with his colleagues behind the scenes.
A legendary career in journalism
At 66 years old, Lester Holt has carved out a remarkable career. Known for his cool under pressure, Holt became the first Black person to solo anchor a weekday nightly network newscast when he took over NBC Nightly News full-time in 2015. From covering presidential debates to navigating coverage during turbulent times like the COVID-19 pandemic, Holt has built a reputation for delivering news with integrity and poise.
But Holt’s journalism journey stretches far beyond NBC Nightly News. He has been with NBC News since 2000, initially as an anchor for Weekend Today and a frequent fill-in for Dateline NBC. His versatility and experience also saw him reporting on breaking news and hosting MSNBC’s primetime coverage during major events.
Why the move to Dateline?
Holt’s decision to transition fully into Dateline NBC stems from his passion for in-depth storytelling. While Nightly News focuses on covering the day’s top headlines, Dateline NBC gives Holt the space to dig deeper into long-form investigative stories, often focused on crime and social justice issues that don’t always make the front page.
In Holt’s own words, “I am thrilled to be able to work more closely with my enormously talented friends at Dateline as the broadcast continues to grow and attract new viewers in new places.” It’s clear that Holt sees this as an opportunity to lean into storytelling that resonates with him personally.
What does Lester Holt’s future look like?
While stepping back from the nightly news spotlight might surprise some, Holt’s fans can rest assured—they’ll still see plenty of him. As the full-time face of Dateline NBC, Holt will continue to anchor episodes that shine a light on complex mysteries, criminal cases, and underreported issues.
And what about NBC Nightly News? NBC has already tapped Tom Llamas to step into the anchor chair and take on the role of managing editor, signaling a new chapter for the flagship news program.
Lester Holt’s personal life & net worth
Off-camera, Holt leads a full and grounded life. He’s been married to his wife, Carol Hagen, a real estate agent, since 1982. The couple shares two adult sons, Stefan and Cameron Holt. Stefan has even followed in his father’s journalistic footsteps as a news anchor in Chicago.
As of 2025, Holt’s net worth is estimated at around $35 million, thanks to his decades-long career with NBC, along with his contributions to Dateline, Nightly News, and his work in primetime coverage on MSNBC and other NBC platforms.
Despite his success, Holt is known for staying humble. He often shares insights about balancing family life with the demands of a high-pressure career, crediting Carol and their kids for keeping him grounded.
The legacy Holt leaves behind at Nightly News
Lester Holt’s exit marks the end of an era. His steady presence during breaking news, national tragedies, and political showdowns has made him one of the most respected names in journalism. Viewers have come to rely on him not just for news, but for context, empathy, and a sense of calm in chaotic moments.
Even as he shifts to Dateline, Holt’s influence on Nightly News—and American journalism as a whole—remains undeniable. His legacy is one of trust, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to telling the stories that matter most.
What’s next?
As Holt transitions fully into his Dateline role, fans can expect deeper dives into the kind of true crime and investigative reporting that Dateline NBC is famous for. And who knows? With Holt’s love for storytelling, there may be even more surprises in store.
One thing is for sure—whether behind the Nightly News desk or digging into gripping mysteries on Dateline, Lester Holt isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
