Lester Holt Announces Departure From ‘NBC Nightly News’

Lester Holt has long been the face of NBC Nightly News, but everything must end eventually. The cable network released an internal memo on Monday (Feb. 24) stating that Holt would leave the show this summer and that the reporter would continue his hosting duties on Dateline NBC.

“Because of Lester’s steady and thoughtful leadership, Nightly News has sustained its perch as a trusted and top news destination for millions of viewers across America,” the statement read. “He has led the network during some of the country’s most fraught and challenging times in the past decade, most notably during the early days of the pandemic when Lester’s voice was a source of comfort each night for so many. He’s taken viewers to the frontlines of every major story and sat down with world leaders, skillfully eliciting answers on consequential issues.”

“Quite simply, Lester is the beating heart of this news organization,” the memo added. “He’s earned deep respect and reverence from our newsroom, industry colleagues and, most importantly, viewers.”

Lester Holt attends the 2018 Essence Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 7, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Griffin/Getty Images for Essence

Additionally, the 65-year-old issued his own statement via the network, expressing gratitude for his time on the show and the work they accomplished over a decade. The anchor then detailed an “expanded” role on Dateline that would give him more of a “footprint” on the program. “I’m excited to report I will be continuing as anchor of Dateline NBC, but for the first time in a full-time capacity whereby I will be expanding my footprint on the broadcast and crafting Dateline hours on subjects I care deeply about,” Holt expressed.

Holt broke new ground in 2015 after he was named to the network’s Nightly News, becoming the first African-American to solo anchor on a weekday nightly news program. While it hasn’t been released as to who will replace Holt on the broadcast, various sources have pointed to Tom Llamas, who has frequently filled in for Lester during his time on the program. Llamas is also the host of Top Story, a newer news program from the cable TV network.