Lester Holt is signing off, one last time.
The longtime anchor of NBC Nightly News—who has been a staple of the broadcast for a decade—announced Feb. 24 he will be stepping down from his role as he moves to a full-time role at Dateline, where he has been a principal anchor for almost 15 years.
“A smile comes to my face when I think that with Nightly News, and Dateline, I have now anchored two of the most successful and iconic television news programs in broadcast history,” Lester wrote in a note to staff of both series, shared by NBC News. “As a 20-year-old radio reporter on the police beat chasing breaking news around San Francisco, I could never have imagined my career path would unfold in the way it has.”
He added of his journey, “What an amazing ride.”
Executive Vice President of Programming for NBC News Janelle Rodriguez confirmed Lester will continue with Nightly News through early summer, before making his transition to full-time at Dateline.
Throughout his tenure with Nightly News, the 65-year-old has helped inform the nation on some of the most pivotal moments in recent American history, from the COVID-19 pandemic, presidential elections, the war between Russia and Ukraine and many natural disasters, including the recent Los Angeles wildfires and floods in Asheville, North Carolina.
While reporting on troubles near and far, Lester always made sure to sign off his broadcast with the reassuring, “Please take care of yourself, and each other.”
But while the anchor earned the love and respect of viewers nationwide, Janelle also spoke to his impact behind the scenes.
“He’s earned deep respect and reverence from our newsroom, industry colleagues and, most importantly, viewers,” she shared. “What’s equally remarkable is how Lester has masterfully filled this esteemed role with extraordinary grace and humility. He’s proven time and time again why he stands among the great legends of broadcast news.”
Having been voted the “most-trusted television news personality in America” two consecutive times, Lester’s successor—who has not yet been named—will have big shoes to fill.
As Janelle noted of her colleague, “Quite simply, Lester is the beating heart of this news organization.”
(E! and NBC News are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)
