Stefan Holt Shares Emotional Message for Father Lester Holt After Final NBC Nightly News Broadcast

Lester Holt may have signed off from the NBC Nightly News anchor desk for the last time, but the tributes to his extraordinary career continue to pour in—none more personal and poignant than the message from his own son, Stefan Holt.

On the heels of his father’s emotional final broadcast, Stefan, a fellow journalist and anchor for NBC Chicago, delivered a heartfelt video tribute that underscored not just the professional legacy of Lester Holt, but the deeply personal impact he’s had as a father and mentor.

“Hey Dad, greetings from Chicago,” Stefan began, speaking directly to camera in a video that aired during the post-show coverage. “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.”

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With visible emotion, Stefan continued:
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart, not only for being the kind of father that every kid hopes for, but also for being the kind of mentor that every journalist dreams of. For all the critiques, the career advice, for all those years letting me hang out behind the scenes at 30 Rock trying to soak it all in—I could not be more proud of your journey and all that you have done.”

A Legacy Beyond the Screen

Lester Holt, 66, ended his decade-long run as anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News on Friday, marking the close of an era defined by steady leadership, journalistic integrity, and trust. He joined Nightly News in 2015, becoming the first Black solo anchor of a weekday evening network news program, and helped steer the American public through some of the most trying times in modern history—COVID-19, political upheaval, global conflict, and natural disasters.

While many viewers have admired Holt from afar, Stefan reminded the world that behind the poised professionalism was a dad who quietly inspired his own son to follow in his footsteps.

“From anchoring here in Chicago to traveling to every hotspot around the world to spending 10 years on the desk of NBC Nightly News,” Stefan said, listing off his father’s achievements with reverence. “I know it didn’t come without sacrifice, but I also know deep down that it was worth it. And I’m grateful for all that you have done as a journalist and as a dad.”

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Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter

Though Lester Holt is stepping down from Nightly News, he won’t be disappearing from American television screens. He will continue full-time with Dateline, the network’s signature longform investigative series, where he’s already spent over a decade contributing in-depth storytelling. Holt has made clear that this new phase of his career will allow for more flexibility and the opportunity to focus on the kind of investigative journalism that sometimes requires months of development—stories he’s passionate about bringing to light.

And while Stefan made clear that he was proud of his father’s past work, he was equally excited about what lies ahead.

“I hope this next chapter with ‘Dateline’ is filled with as much contentment—and hopefully a little more time to come hang out with Morgan and me and the grandkids here in Chicago.”

Stefan’s message closed with a sense of both pride and affection—emotions shared by viewers nationwide who’ve come to know Lester Holt not just as a news anchor, but as a symbol of calm and credibility in a world that often lacks both.

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Tom Llamas Takes the Helm

Taking over the Nightly News anchor desk will be Tom Llamas, who has served as a national correspondent and the host of NBC News NOW’s Top Story. With an extensive background covering political conventions, natural disasters, and global crises, Llamas is well-positioned to carry the torch.

But for many, Lester Holt will always be synonymous with NBC Nightly News. His final sign-off—”Please continue to take care of yourself and each other, and I’ll do the same”—echoed the empathy and humanity he brought to every broadcast.

As Stefan Holt reminded us, Lester’s legacy is not just one of journalism, but of personal character, family, and the quiet power of doing the right thing—even when no one is watching.