Lester Holt Reveals Why He’s Leaving ‘Nightly News’ But Staying at NBC: It All Comes Down to One Thing—His Family

Lester Holt, the respected anchor of NBC Nightly News, has recently stunned viewers and the media world with his decision to step down from his longtime role as the face of NBC’s flagship nightly broadcast. While Holt’s tenure has spanned over two decades, his announcement about leaving the anchor desk after a decade-long stint has raised many questions. In a candid conversation with Variety, Holt shared the true reason behind his decision, revealing that the motivation to step away was deeply personal—and centered around his family, especially his wife.

A Thoughtful Transition: Reflecting on a Legacy

At 66 years old, Holt has had a storied career in journalism, one that started humbly in 1981. After spending years with CBS, he joined NBC in 2003, where his prominence grew steadily, eventually leading him to take over NBC Nightly News as anchor in 2015. During his tenure, Holt earned widespread recognition for his steady leadership, his calm and authoritative presence, and his ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of nightly news.

However, as Holt reflected on his incredible career, he noted that the decision to leave wasn’t made lightly. The seasoned anchor acknowledged that after over a decade at the helm of NBC Nightly News, he felt the time was right to move on. But what drove this decision was not just a desire for new professional challenges; it was deeply rooted in a conversation with his wife. Holt emphasized that this shift in his career wasn’t about burnout or dissatisfaction. Instead, it was about embracing a new chapter, one where he could focus on long-form journalism and return to the roots of storytelling that he’s always cherished.

“I’ve been fortunate to have a career that’s spanned so many years and so many amazing opportunities,” Holt said. “But there comes a point where you have to make sure you’re doing what’s right for your family. My wife and I talked about it, and we agreed that this was the time to step down from the anchor desk.”

Tom Llamas to Take the Helm: NBC’s New Direction

Holt’s departure marks the end of an era for NBC Nightly News, but NBC has already moved forward with a new plan for the future of the show. Holt will officially step down on May 30, and Tom Llamas, a former ABC News anchor, will take over as the new anchor. Llamas, who has extensive experience in both hard news and human-interest stories, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the evening broadcast.

While Holt has stepped away from the anchor chair, he expressed optimism about the direction the network is headed. He also acknowledged the changing landscape of television journalism, especially in terms of ratings and the evolving nature of news. He pointed out that the competitive nature of nightly news programming—particularly in a landscape dominated by ABC World News Tonight—presents new challenges, but he has faith in the network’s future under Llamas.

“I’ve had an amazing run, and the challenges in the news world are ever-evolving,” Holt remarked. “I know that Tom will do great things, and he has the ability to connect with the audience in a unique way. I’m excited to see how the show continues to grow and adapt.”

A Focus on Long-Form Journalism: Holt’s New Ventures with Dateline

While many might have expected Holt’s departure to signal a quiet exit from journalism altogether, he is far from stepping away. Instead, he is embracing an exciting opportunity with Dateline, NBC’s long-running, award-winning program that focuses on in-depth, investigative reporting. Holt’s deep love for storytelling has led him to this next phase, one that he has been eagerly anticipating for some time.

In his conversation with Variety, Holt explained that his shift to Dateline is all about returning to his journalistic roots—focusing on stories that require time, effort, and nuanced perspectives to unfold. Unlike the daily grind of anchoring a nightly news show, Holt relishes the opportunity to dive into longer-form journalism, which often allows for a deeper exploration of important societal issues.

“Long-form journalism is where I’ve always felt at home,” Holt said. “It gives me the opportunity to tell stories that are often overlooked in the fast-paced news cycle. There are so many important stories that deserve to be told with the time and care they need, and that’s what excites me about Dateline.”

This move to Dateline is not a retreat but a shift to a different kind of journalism—one that will allow Holt to continue to leave his mark on the field by telling compelling stories that captivate and inform.

Why Now? Family, Fulfillment, and a New Chapter

When asked why now was the right time to make this transition, Holt responded with deep thoughtfulness. His decision was a combination of personal fulfillment, professional growth, and family priorities. Having spent many years leading nightly news, Holt now feels that this is the time to embrace something that aligns with his evolving passions.

“I’ve had the honor of leading NBC Nightly News for over ten years, and it’s been an incredible experience,” Holt said. “But there comes a time in your career when you have to reflect on what you want next. I’m ready for a new challenge, one that’s more in line with my passion for storytelling. But at the same time, it’s also a decision that’s been influenced by my family. I’m looking forward to spending more time with them and doing what brings me the most joy.”

Holt’s candidness about balancing his career with family priorities is something that resonates with many people, particularly those who struggle to balance professional demands with personal commitments. For Holt, this next phase of his life offers the flexibility to pursue his journalistic ambitions while maintaining the work-life balance he has always sought.

Moving On: A New Era for NBC News

As Holt prepares to step into his new role at Dateline, the transition represents not just a personal career shift but a larger moment of change for NBC News. Holt’s legacy at NBC Nightly News has been a strong one—marked by professionalism, empathy, and a steady hand during some of the most challenging news moments in recent history.

But NBC, like the entire news industry, continues to evolve. The network’s decision to bring in Tom Llamas as Holt’s successor shows that NBC is ready for fresh leadership and a new era of news reporting. Llamas, with his broad experience in news and human interest stories, will be expected to carry the mantle forward, adding his unique perspective while building upon the strong foundation that Holt established.

For Holt, the future is equally bright, with his transition to Dateline offering him a chance to focus on long-form journalism and deep investigative work. In a media landscape where the news cycle moves faster than ever, Dateline provides an opportunity to slow down and tackle stories that require attention and detail. Holt’s passion for this style of storytelling will continue to make him an important voice in journalism, even as he shifts away from the nightly news desk.

Conclusion: The Next Chapter for Lester Holt

Lester Holt’s decision to leave NBC Nightly News after more than a decade at the anchor desk is both a significant shift in his career and a testament to his desire for professional growth and personal fulfillment. The decision to transition to Dateline marks the beginning of an exciting new phase for the veteran journalist, one where he can focus on the long-form journalism that has always been close to his heart.

As fans bid farewell to Holt as the anchor of NBC Nightly News, they can rest assured that he will continue to contribute to the world of journalism in a way that reflects his passion and dedication. Holt’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a constant drive to evolve, making him one of the most respected figures in the media today.

While his departure from Nightly News marks the end of an era, his next chapter promises to be just as impactful. For those who have followed his journey over the years, Holt’s continued presence on Dateline ensures that his legacy will live on, providing viewers with the thoughtful, in-depth reporting that has defined his career.