Why Is Lester Holt Leaving NBC Nightly News?
Here's why the longtime anchor is stepping away from the desk.
After Lester Holt's unexpected February 24 announcement that he's leaving NBC Nightly News, many fans are asking one simple question: Why?
A closer look at the star's official announcement gives fans an answer as he walks away from the iconic Nightly News desk after a decade of full-time service.
Here's why Lester Holt is stepping away from Nightly News
Hidden in plain sight is Holt's reasoning for leaving: He wants to focus his attention and effort on his work on Dateline!
"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 wrote. "I am thrilled to be able to work more closely with my enormously talented friends at Dateline as the broadcast continues to grow and attract new viewers in new places."
It's simple, really: The anchor is focusing on one role moving forward.
Holt's duties on Nightly News revolve around the current events in the United States and the world. He's even been known to sit down with the President from time to time:
His projects on Dateline focus on longer-length feature stories that take much more time to research, develop, and create. For years, the show hasn't been afraid to dive deeply into the stunning mysteries and crime stories that deserve coverage today, and Holt is the perfect person to help steer it into even more groundbreaking coverage.
With that in mind, it's clear that Holt is looking forward to challenging himself entirely by diving into a full-time role on Dateline. We can't wait to see what he accomplishes in the future!
When is Lester Holt's last day on Nightly News?
As of early March 2025, Holt's last day behind the Nightly News desk isn't known, yet. In his announcement, the star hinted that his final day of work will be confirmed soon and promised to keep fans — and the rest of the broadcast journalism world — updated.
"I plan to continue anchoring Nightly through around the start of summer," he said. "As we get closer, I'll of course firm up the date and keep all of you in the loop."
Regardless of his actual "last day" date, it sounds like the 65-year-old legendary anchor is looking forward to a sweet treat in his future:
"In the meantime, to my Nightly friends, I look forward to sharing some banana pudding as is our send-off tradition!"
As announced on March 5, Holt will be replaced on Nightly News by Tom Llamas.
