The Today show family is experiencing another major shake-up as longtime NBC anchor Lester Holt has announced his departure from NBC Nightly News. 

This news comes just a month after Hoda Kotb’s exit from Today, marking another significant transition within the network. 

Holt, who has spent over a decade as the anchor of Nightly News, shared the news with his colleagues and viewers, reflecting on his incredible journey in journalism.

Lester Holt Announces His Departure from Nightly News

On February 24, Holt revealed in a memo to Nightly News staff that he would be stepping down from his role as anchor after more than 10 years.

“After 10 years, 17 if you include my years on the weekends, the time has come for me to step away from my role as anchor of Nightly News,” Holt wrote. 

“It has truly been the honor of a lifetime to work with each of you every day, keeping journalism as our true north and our viewers at the center of everything we do.”

However, Holt’s departure does not mean he is leaving NBC entirely. In the same message, he shared some exciting news about his future with the network.

“But before we play the walk-off music, I have another announcement. I’m excited to report I will be continuing as anchor of Dateline NBC, but for the first time in a full-time capacity,” he continued. “I will be expanding my footprint on the broadcast and crafting Dateline hours on subjects I care deeply about. 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.”

Holt, who has been the face of NBC Nightly News since 2015, is expected to leave his position in the summer. He will continue his role at Dateline NBC, a show he has anchored since 2011.

NBC Colleagues Celebrate Holt’s Career

Following his announcement, several of Holt’s colleagues from Today and NBC Nightly News took to social media to honor his remarkable career.

Savannah Guthrie, who has worked closely with Holt over the years and occasionally filled in for him on Nightly News, posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.

“Congrats to @lesterholtnbc on an amazing decade and the new chapter about to unfold!” she wrote. “I’m grateful for getting to share so many historic moments right by your side – always, always the class act. ❤️”

Dylan Dreyer, a weather correspondent for Today, also shared a touching message, recalling how Holt made her feel at ease on her very first day on Weekend Today.

“You’d think the most nerve-wracking day of my career was my first day on air at Weekend Today,” she wrote. “But @lesterholtnbc made me feel so comfortable from day one. It has been a true honor to work and grow alongside him from then, to hurricane coverage, to @nbcnightlynews, to fun experiments on @nightlykids. A true professional, an incredible interviewer and anchor, a friend. Congratulations on this next phase of your inspirational career, Lester!!”

Hoda Kotb, who recently exited Today after nearly 18 years, also paid tribute to Holt in a lighthearted Instagram post.

“Lester! Hats off to a great run on @nbcnightlynews! Now all that’s left is a move to the burbs… and a @toyota sienna minivan! Xx love you @lesterholtnbc. Xo,” she joked.

Joy Reid’s Exit Adds to NBC’s Recent Shake-Ups

Holt’s departure from Nightly News isn’t the only major change at NBC. On the same day as his announcement, news broke that MSNBC anchor Joy Reid was leaving the network after hosting The ReidOut for nearly a decade.

MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler confirmed Reid’s exit in a statement to staff.

“Joy Reid is leaving the network, and we thank her for her countless contributions over the years,” Kutler said, according to NPR. “Her work has been recognized with several esteemed honors, including most recently, the 2025 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding News Series. In the coming weeks, rotating anchors will host the hour.”

Reid later addressed her departure in a message to her supporters, expressing gratitude for her team and the audience.

“I just want to say thank you to everyone who has reached out with kindness and encouragement, both personally and in these social media streets,” she wrote on Bluesky. “So very proud of The ReidOut team, who are truly family, and all of our supporters & friends.”

A New Chapter for NBC News

As NBC Nightly News prepares for Holt’s departure, his legacy as a trusted and respected journalist remains firmly intact. Over his career, he has guided viewers through historic events with professionalism and integrity. While he will no longer be the face of Nightly News, his expanded role at Dateline NBC ensures that his presence in investigative journalism will continue.

Meanwhile, with both Kotb and Reid exiting their respective roles, NBC is entering a period of transition. These departures mark the end of an era for the network, but they also open the door for new faces and fresh perspectives in the world of broadcast journalism.

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