Lester Holt's NBC Nightly News Departure: A New Chapter Begins

In a move that sent ripples through the world of journalism, Lester Holt dropped a bombshell announcement: he's stepping away from NBC Nightly News this summer, in 2025. The news left many viewers stunned, but not without heartfelt words of appreciation from his NBC colleagues, Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb.

A Legacy Worth Celebrating

Lester Holt, the iconic news anchor who has become a household name, made the announcement on February 24, marking the end of an illustrious chapter in his career. At 65 years old, Holt's decision to step down from the nightly news anchor role is a testament to his desire to explore new opportunities and focus on different passions. On the very same day, Savannah Guthrie, 53, took to Instagram to express her admiration and gratitude for her esteemed colleague.

With a post filled with warmth and nostalgia, Savannah shared her thoughts: “Congrats to @lesterholtnbc on an amazing decade and the new chapter about to unfold! I’m grateful for getting to share so many historic moments right by your side – always, always the class act.” Her words resonated with fans and colleagues alike, reflecting the deep respect and camaraderie shared within the NBC family.

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A Flood of Emotional Responses

As with any significant change, the news of Lester's departure sparked a wave of emotions among his loyal viewers. The comments section on Savannah’s Instagram post quickly filled with heartfelt messages. One commenter wrote, “I can’t take any more change. Everyone else please stay put.” Another expressed, “I will miss him! Just a sense of calm and professionalism watching him every night.”

Yet another viewer chimed in with, “Lester, congratulations on a decade and so much more….. You bring truth, pride and community together, every weeknight and that is very much appreciated.” These comments underscore the profound impact Lester has had on his audience, serving as a beacon of reliability and integrity in a fast-paced world.

Lester's Personal Reflections

In a heartfelt memo to NBC staff, Lester shared his reasons for this pivotal decision. He wrote, “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. It has truly been the honor of a lifetime to work with each of you every day, keeping journalism as our true north and our viewers at the center of everything we do.”

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Lester's words reflect not only his dedication to the craft of journalism but also his deep respect for his colleagues and the viewers who have tuned in faithfully over the years.

But fear not, loyal NBC viewers—Lester's journey within the network isn't over just yet. He's set to take on a new role with even more focus on Dateline NBC, a program he's long been associated with. Lester shared, “But before we play the walk off music, I have another announcement. I’m excited to report I will be continuing as anchor of Dateline NBC, but for the first time in a full-time capacity whereby I will be expanding my footprint on the broadcast and crafting Dateline hours on subjects I care deeply about.”

Hoda's Heartfelt Tribute

Hoda Kotb, who recently left Today in January, also took to Instagram to honor Lester's legacy. She captioned a series of photos of Lester with her family members, “Lester! Hats off to a great run on @nbcnightlynews ! Now all thats left is a move to the burbs.. and a @toyota sienna mini van! Xx love you @lesterholtnbc. Xo.” Hoda's lighthearted yet heartfelt message perfectly captured the mix of emotions surrounding this transition.

The response to Hoda's post mirrored the sentiments expressed on Savannah's page. One commenter wrote, “I have truly enjoyed watching Lester every evening!! Wishing him all the best!!” Another echoed, “My two daily NBC ‘bookends’ will both be gone. You and Lester are my people! I am so terribly sad.” These heartfelt reactions underscore the deep connection viewers have formed with Lester over the years.

As of this writing, there has been no official announcement regarding Lester's successor on Nightly News. Nevertheless, his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of journalists and viewers alike.