Lester Holt’s Departure from NBC Nightly News: A Personal Choice Rooted in Passion and Family

Lester Holt, the veteran anchor of NBC Nightly News, sent shockwaves through the media world when he announced on February 24, 2025, that he would step down from the anchor desk after a decade of leading the flagship broadcast. His final broadcast aired on May 30, 2025, marking the end of an era for the trusted journalist who has guided millions through some of the most pivotal events of our time. While Holt is not leaving NBC—he will take on a full-time role at Dateline—his decision to step away from Nightly News has sparked curiosity and speculation. A heartfelt comment about his wife, Carol Hagen, has added a deeply personal layer to the narrative, offering insight into the real reasons behind his departure.

Holt’s tenure at Nightly News began in June 2015, following the demotion of Brian Williams. Over the past ten years, Holt has been a steady presence, covering presidential elections, global crises, and the COVID-19 pandemic with a calm, authoritative demeanor that earned him the title of America’s most trusted TV news anchor in polls conducted by The Hollywood Reporter and Morning Consult. With Nightly News averaging around 6.3 million viewers nightly, Holt’s exit is no small matter. Yet, in a memo to staff, he described his decision as a natural progression, stating, “After 10 years, 17 if you include my years on the weekends, the time has come for me to step away from my role as anchor of Nightly News.” He emphasized that this was not a retirement but a shift to focus on Dateline, where he has served as principal anchor since 2011.

In a revealing interview with Variety published on May 8, 2025, Holt elaborated on his choice, expressing a desire to return to his roots as a reporter. “It wasn’t like one moment of epiphany,” he said. “I never saw myself doing this job forever.” He spoke of wanting to flex “different news muscles” by diving into the long-form, investigative storytelling that Dateline allows. Unlike the fast-paced, breaking-news cycle of Nightly News, Dateline offers the flexibility to craft in-depth stories, some taking months to develop. Holt’s passion for this style of journalism, which he honed as a young radio reporter in San Francisco, is a driving force behind his decision.

However, it was a poignant comment about his wife, Carol Hagen, that added a personal dimension to Holt’s choice. Married since 1982, Holt and Hagen share two sons, Stefan and Cameron, and are now proud grandparents. In the Variety interview, Holt revealed that “long conversations” with his wife and trusted colleagues helped solidify his decision. While he did not disclose specific details about Hagen’s influence, the mention of her role sparked speculation that family considerations played a significant part. On the Today show on May 30, 2025, Holt hinted at looking forward to spending more time with his grandchildren, suggesting a desire to balance his professional ambitions with personal priorities. This heartfelt nod to his family resonated with viewers, who have long admired Holt’s grounded, relatable persona.

Holt’s move to Dateline is not a step down but a return to a format he loves, where he can explore stories that “don’t demand a desk.” His final Nightly News broadcast was an emotional farewell, with Holt signing off by saying, “Facts matter, words matter, journalism matters, and you matter.” As Tom Llamas takes the helm of Nightly News, Holt’s legacy as a trusted voice endures. His decision, shaped by both professional passion and personal reflection, underscores a truth he has long championed: authenticity matters.