The world of broadcast journalism is buzzing after NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt announced he will step down after 15 remarkable years at the desk — and his longtime colleague Hoda Kotb had a few heartfelt (and hilarious) words for him.
Taking to Instagram, Kotb, 60, shared a carousel of photos with Holt, 65, writing, “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! Love you, @lesterholtnbc.” The lighthearted jab was a nod to Kotb’s own recent move out of New York City and into suburban life — a decision that came after she stepped away from her full-time Today hosting duties to spend more time with her daughters, Haley, 8, and Hope, 5.
Kotb has been open about how much her life has changed since trading the studio lights for school drop-offs and neighborhood events. On a September 2024 episode of Today With Hoda & Jenna, she gushed, “We went for our first day of school, I carried a coffee and had sneakers on, and I walked my kids to school like normal people. It was awesome.” Her journey has clearly inspired her to encourage Holt to embrace a similar shift after his upcoming transition.
Holt’s departure marks the end of an era. In a note to staff, the Emmy-winning journalist reflected on his extraordinary career: “A smile comes to my face when I think that with Nightly News and Dateline, I’ve anchored two of the most iconic programs in television history. As a 20-year-old radio reporter chasing stories around San Francisco, I could never have imagined this path. What an amazing ride.”
Although he’s stepping away from Nightly News, Holt isn’t leaving the network entirely. He’ll continue his work as the full-time anchor of Dateline NBC, focusing on long-form storytelling and investigative reporting. His steady presence and journalistic integrity have made him one of the most respected figures in American news — a legacy built on decades of credibility and compassion.
Meanwhile, NBC has yet to reveal who will take Holt’s place on Nightly News, leaving fans and colleagues speculating about the next face to carry the torch.
Like Holt, Kotb is also beginning a new professional chapter. After leaving Today, she announced she’ll remain part of the NBC family as a special correspondent, continuing her beloved Making Space podcast and contributing features every few weeks. She also revealed plans to launch a wellness app and lifestyle brand later this year — a venture that reflects her renewed focus on family, balance, and personal growth.
As two of NBC’s most beloved anchors navigate their next acts, Kotb’s playful message perfectly captures the warmth and mutual respect that have defined their decades-long friendship. And with Holt’s calm demeanor and Kotb’s contagious optimism, one thing is certain — this is not the end of their stories, but the start of something refreshingly new.
