Lester Holt is among the prominent on-air journalists transitioning from their roles at major news networks, a trend that has captured the attention of many viewers. The esteemed NBC Nightly News managing editor and anchor shared his decision in February 2025 to depart from the show after an impressive tenure of nearly 10 years. As dedicated fans absorb this significant news, they are left wondering whether he is retiring or if he has accepted a new opportunity elsewhere. This leads to the burning question: where is Lester headed after Nightly News?

In the following sections, you will discover what Lester Holt has planned for his future endeavors following his departure from NBC Nightly News in the summer of 2025.

Understanding Lester Holt’s Departure from NBC Nightly News

To clarify, Lester did not resign from NBCUniversal; he is simply stepping away from his role on Nightly News. In a heartfelt letter addressed to his colleagues, the Emmy-winning anchor expressed that it has been the “honor of a lifetime” to work alongside such talented individuals on the program.

“After a decade of dedicated service, and 17 years if you count my weekend anchor roles, the moment has arrived for me to step back from my position as anchor of Nightly News,” Lester articulated in his letter, as quoted by NBC. “It has genuinely been an honor of a lifetime to collaborate with all of you daily, keeping journalism as our guiding principle and our viewers at the core of everything we do.”

In another part of his staff memo, Lester reflected on his journey, stating, “I smile when I remember that with Nightly News and Dateline, I have had the privilege of anchoring two of the most successful and iconic television news programs in the history of broadcasting. As a young radio reporter at 20, chasing breaking news stories in San Francisco, I could never have envisioned my career would evolve in such a remarkable way. It has been an incredible journey.”

Exploring the Reasons Behind Lester Holt’s Departure from Nightly News

In a revealing interview with Variety on May 8, Lester discussed his motivations for leaving the daily news program, which he began anchoring in 2015. He remarked, “It wasn’t a singular moment of realization.” He elaborated, “I never envisioned myself in this role indefinitely,” adding that he “decided it was time to step away from the Nightly role, but I still feel energetic and passionate about journalism.” Holt concluded with, “People often say it’s been a great run. I respond, well, I’m still going strong.”

Janelle Rodriguez, the NBC News Executive Vice President of Programming, sent a message to staff praising Lester for his role in transforming Nightly News into a “trusted and premier news destination for millions across America.” She emphasized that he “will continue contributing to NBC News for many more years ahead.”

What Will Lester Holt Do Following His Departure from NBC Nightly News?

Lester Holt is set to embrace a full-time position on Dateline, where he has been the principal anchor for nearly 15 years, showcasing his extensive experience in investigative journalism and storytelling.

Who Will Take Over Lester Holt’s Position at NBC Nightly News?

NBC News has confirmed that Tom Llamas will take over as the new host of Nightly News, stepping into a role filled with expectations from a loyal audience.

The Future of NBC Nightly News: Is It Being Canceled?

While the future of Nightly News remains uncertain, it is improbable that the program will be canceled. NBC has indicated that the show consistently ranks as a top television program weekly, averaging around 7 million viewers, which underscores its ongoing popularity and relevance.

Understanding Lester Holt’s Financial Standing: Net Worth Insights

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Lester Holt boasts an impressive net worth of $35 million, reflecting his successful career in journalism and television, where he has made significant contributions to the industry.

Examining Lester Holt’s Salary as a Leading Journalist

Lester, who has been honored with the prestigious Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism, commands a salary of $10 million annually, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth, highlighting his status as one of the highest-paid figures in news broadcasting.