Lester Holt Bids Farewell to NBC Nightly News: A Heartfelt Send-Off After a Decade of Leadership

In a moment that had viewers reflecting on the legacy of one of television’s most respected news anchors, Lester Holt signed off from NBC’s Nightly News on Friday night, marking the end of a remarkable decade-long tenure. In an emotional farewell, Holt, 66, described his time at the helm of the network’s evening broadcast as “the honor of a lifetime.”

“As an anchor, it has been an honor to lead this program and an honor to be welcomed into your homes,” Holt said, delivering his final words from the Nightly News studio at 30 Rock. “I’m so grateful for your trust.”

Surrounded by tearful colleagues and a team that had worked with him over the years, Holt reflected on his journey at NBC and the personal connections he had built with his audience. As the veteran anchor bid farewell, he made sure to remind his viewers of the principles that had guided his work throughout his career. “Around here, facts matter, words matter, journalism matters, and you matter,” Holt said, with his signature sincerity and gravitas.

A Decade of Coverage: Triumphs and Tragedies

During his tenure as anchor, Holt led the Nightly News team through some of the most significant and challenging events in recent history. From the COVID-19 pandemic to mass shootings, natural disasters, and global crises, Holt helped navigate the country through dark and harrowing days, always bringing a sense of calm and reliability to his audience.

“As we’ve shared some of these dark and difficult times, I’ve tried to find moments that give you something to smile about, something that connects us and reminds us of our resilience,” Holt said, reflecting on the turbulent decade of news coverage. His ability to present hard news while still fostering a connection with his audience made him a trusted figure in American homes.

A Future with Dateline and Tom Llamas’ Arrival

Though Holt’s departure from the Nightly News desk is a significant shift, the beloved anchor will remain at NBC, continuing his long-standing role as the principal anchor of Dateline. Having hosted the network’s popular newsmagazine program for 15 years, Holt is excited about returning to his roots as a reporter. He recently explained his decision in an interview with Variety, stating that the move would allow him to “flex different news muscles” and focus on in-depth investigative reporting that he has always loved.

“I’m not here to fill Lester Holt’s shoes—I’m here to show they were never my size to begin with,” said Tom Llamas, who will succeed Holt as anchor of Nightly News starting Monday. Llamas, 45, will take on the challenge of leading the broadcast with a fresh perspective, marking the beginning of a new era for the evening news program.

Holt expressed his full confidence in Llamas’ abilities to guide the broadcast to new heights, wishing him “great success” in the future. The transition, while bittersweet for many, signals a new chapter for both Holt and NBC News.

A Career Spanning Decades: From CBS to NBC

Holt’s career in journalism spans more than four decades, beginning at CBS in 1981. He joined NBC News in 2003, quickly becoming a staple of the network’s news team. Over his 22 years at NBC, Holt held various anchor and reporting roles, with his ascension to the anchor desk of Nightly News in 2015 marking a significant milestone in his career.

His appointment came after the controversial departure of Brian Williams, who left the network amid a scandal involving false claims about his coverage of the Iraq War. Holt stepped into the role with grace and quickly became a steadying presence for the network’s evening news.

Under Holt’s leadership, Nightly News continued to hold the second spot in the ratings, trailing behind ABC World News Tonight but still maintaining a strong viewership. Holt’s calm, reasoned approach to news and his commitment to factual reporting made him a trusted figure for millions of Americans.

Looking Back and Looking Forward

In his final moments on the Nightly News set, Holt’s message was one of gratitude. He thanked not only his viewers but also the team of professionals who worked alongside him, helping make the broadcast a reliable source of news for years. “I’ll miss spending these evenings with you,” he said, signaling the emotional farewell to his dedicated audience.

For Holt, this departure marks a major turning point in his career, but it’s far from the end of his journalistic journey. “I’m not here to say goodbye,” he noted, “I’m still running.” With his new focus on Dateline, Holt will continue to bring important stories to light in his own inimitable style.

A Lasting Legacy

Lester Holt’s time as anchor of NBC Nightly News has been defined by his professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment to presenting the news with dignity. His leadership, especially during moments of national tragedy, earned him the respect of not only his colleagues but of millions of viewers who turned to him for both hard news and moments of reassurance.

As the baton is passed to Tom Llamas, Holt’s influence will undoubtedly linger, with his legacy serving as a model for journalistic excellence. The news world will continue to evolve, but Lester Holt’s imprint on NBC Nightly News will remain for years to come.