Lester Holt Officially Exits NBC Nightly News After Decade, Tom Llamas Takes Over

Lester Holt concluded his decade-long tenure as anchor of NBC Nightly News on May 30, 2025, transitioning to focus full-time on Dateline NBC, where he has been a principal anchor since 2011. His final broadcast included an emotional farewell, a tribute package highlighting his significant contributions, and appearances by family and colleagues, marking the end of an iconic chapter in American journalism. Holt reflected on the importance of journalism and the challenges covered during his tenure, such as the pandemic and mass shootings, expressing gratitude to viewers and his team. Following Holt's departure, Tom Llamas made history as the first Latino weekday anchor of NBC Nightly News, receiving Holt's encouragement and advice as he took over the role. Llamas plans to continue hosting his Emmy-nominated streaming program alongside the nightly broadcast, underscoring the evolving landscape of news media. This smooth transition symbolizes both a nod to tradition and an embrace of diversity and innovation within NBC News.