A Great Regret: Stefan Holt’s Touching Tribute to His Father Lester Holt’s NBC Nightly News Farewell

Lester Holt, a titan of broadcast journalism, signed off from NBC Nightly News for the final time on June 2, marking the end of a remarkable decade at the anchor desk. His departure, announced months earlier as an early retirement from the nightly broadcast, left viewers and colleagues reflecting on his profound impact. Among those paying tribute was his son, Stefan Holt, an anchor for NBC Chicago, who broke his silence with an emotional message that captured both personal gratitude and professional admiration for his father’s storied career. The heartfelt words underscored the weight of Holt’s exit and the legacy he leaves behind.

In a poignant broadcast from Chicago, Stefan addressed his father directly, his voice carrying the warmth of a son and the respect of a fellow journalist. “Hey Dad, greetings from Chicago,” he began. “This is really hard to believe… it’s your last broadcast on Nightly News, and as you get ready to say farewell, I just want to say thank you.” Stefan’s tribute went beyond familial ties, acknowledging the sacrifices and dedication that defined Holt’s tenure. He thanked his father for being “the kind of father every kid hopes for” and “the kind of mentor every journalist dreams of,” recalling years spent behind the scenes at 30 Rock, absorbing lessons from a master storyteller. “I could not be more proud of your journey,” Stefan added, tracing Holt’s path from anchoring in Chicago to covering global hotspots and leading Nightly News for a decade.

Holt’s tenure as anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News was marked by unflinching coverage of pivotal moments. From moderating presidential debates to conducting incisive political interviews, he brought clarity to complex issues. His reporting during catastrophic natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic cemented his reputation as a steady, trusted voice. Stefan’s message highlighted the personal cost of such a career, noting that it “didn’t come without sacrifice” but was undoubtedly worth it. The tribute resonated with viewers, many of whom expressed a “great regret” at seeing Holt step away from the nightly desk, a sentiment echoed across social media as fans shared memories of his calming presence.

While Holt’s exit marks the end of an era, it’s not a full goodbye. He will continue his work with Dateline, shifting his focus to in-depth storytelling. This next chapter, as Stefan hoped in his message, promises “contentment” and perhaps more time for family, including visits to Chicago to see Stefan, his wife Morgan, and their grandchildren. The transition also paves the way for Tom Llamas, who has taken over as Nightly News anchor, tasked with carrying forward the program’s legacy. Meanwhile, Stefan remains a vital part of NBC’s Chicago team, delivering daily news with the same commitment to truth that his father exemplified.

The emotional weight of Holt’s departure is palpable, both for his family and his audience. Stefan’s tribute encapsulated the duality of Holt’s impact—as a journalist who shaped public discourse and a father who inspired those closest to him. “I’m grateful for all that you have done as a journalist and as a dad,” Stefan said, his words a fitting send-off for a man whose career touched millions. As Holt steps into his Dateline role, his influence endures, not only in the stories he’ll continue to tell but also in the next generation of journalists, like Stefan, who carry his lessons forward. For viewers, the regret of his Nightly News exit is tempered by the promise of more from a broadcaster whose voice remains indelible.