Lester Holt Biography: Shocking Exit & Legendary Rise – 10 Powerful Facts About His Career, Salary & Family (2025)
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lester Don Holt Jr. |
| Date of Birth | March 8, 1959 |
| Age | 66 years (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Journalist, TV News Anchor |
| Current Role | Anchor, Dateline NBC (2025–present) |
| Former Roles | Anchor, NBC Nightly News, NBC Nightly News Kids Edition |
| Known For | First Black male solo anchor of a major U.S. newscast |
| Spouse | Carol Hagen Holt (m. 1982) |
| Children | Stefan and Cameron Holt |
| Net Worth | ~$35 million |
| Salary | ~$10 million per year |
Who Is Lester Holt?
Lester Holt Biography highlights the life and career of Lester Don Holt Jr., a veteran American journalist best known as the former anchor of the weekday edition of NBC Nightly News, NBC Nightly News: Kids Edition, and current anchor of Dateline NBC. He made history in 2015 by becoming the first Black male solo anchor of a major nightly network newscast, following the demotion of Brian Williams.
Holt has been consistently recognized for his credibility, ranking as America’s most trusted news anchor in a 2018 poll. Though ratings dropped slightly after his appointment, Holt remained respected for his integrity and composure on air. He stepped down from NBC Nightly News on May 30, 2025, transitioning to focus full-time on Dateline NBC.
Why did Lester Holt leave NBC Nightly News? His departure was part of a personal and professional shift, opting to focus on long-form storytelling with Dateline NBC, a role that allows him to explore complex topics more deeply.
What made Lester Holt famous? He is widely known for his steady leadership during national crises, his moderation of the 2016 presidential debate, and for breaking racial barriers in U.S. network news broadcasting.
What was Lester Holt’s famous line? – “Please take care of yourself, and each other.”
How much does Lester Holt make a year? He earns approximately $10 million annually.
| Year | Role | Network / Station |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Country Music DJ, News Reporter | Local Anchorage Radio |
| 1981 | Reporter | WCBS-TV, New York |
| 1982 | Weekend Anchor | KNXT (now KCBS-TV), LA |
| 1983–2000 | Anchor / Reporter | WBBM-TV, Chicago |
| 2000 | Correspondent & Anchor | MSNBC |
| 2003 | Weekend Anchor, Today Show | NBC |
| 2007 | Weekend Anchor, NBC Nightly News | NBC |
| 2011–Now | Anchor, Dateline NBC | NBC |
| 2015–2025 | Anchor & Managing Editor, NBC Nightly News | NBC |
| 2025–→ | Full-time Anchor | Dateline NBC |
Lester Holt Biography: (Personal Life: Wife, Children, Church)
Holt has been married to Carol Hagen Holt since 1982. Carol is a real estate agent, and together they have two sons:
- Stefan Holt – Anchor at NBC 5 (WMAQ-TV), Chicago
- Cameron Holt – Works in finance
The family resides in Manhattan, where Holt is a member of the Manhattan Church of Christ.
Lester Holt Illness & Weight Loss Rumors
While viewers noticed Lester Holt’s weight loss in 2024, he clarified it was a result of healthier living and not due to illness. As of 2025, he remains in good health with no confirmed medical conditions.
Lester Holt Biography: Salary and Net Worth
- Annual Salary: ~$10 million
- Net Worth (2025): ~$35 million
His income stems from his NBC contract, appearances, and book/speaking deals.
Lester Holt Biography: Awards and Honors
- 1990: Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award
- 2012: Honorary Doctorate – Pepperdine University
- 2015: Honorary Doctorate – CSU Sacramento & Inducted into CA Hall of Fame
- 2016: Alan B. DuMont Broadcaster of the Year & NABJ Journalist of the Year
- 2018: Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement
- 2019: Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism
- 2020: Honorary Doctorate – Rutgers University
- 2023: Honorary Doctorate – Villanova University & Larry Foster Award for Integrity
Lester Holt Shows and Media Appearances
TV Shows Hosted or Featured In:
- NBC Nightly News
- NBC Nightly News: Kids Edition
- Dateline NBC
- Today Show (Weekend Anchor)
Cameos:
- The Fugitive (1993)
- U.S. Marshals (1998)
- Primal Fear (1996)
- Law & Order: SVU, 30 Rock, Warehouse 13, Early Edition, Due South
YouTube Embed:
Instagram Embed: https://www.instagram.com/p/DKShmCMvRLb/
❓ FAQs About Lester Holt (2025)
Q1: Why did Lester Holt leave NBC Nightly News? He stepped down in 2025 to focus fully on Dateline NBC and long-form journalism.
Q2: What was Lester Holt’s famous sign-off? “Please take care of yourself and each other.”
Q3: Is Lester Holt sick? No. His weight loss was due to health changes, not illness.
Q4: Who is Lester Holt’s wife? Carol Hagen, a real estate agent. Married since 1982.
Q5: What is Lester Holt’s net worth in 2025? An estimated $35 million.
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Lester Holt Biography: Conclusion
From radio DJ to the most trusted man in news, Lester Holt’s biography reflects journalistic excellence, resilience, and respect. While stepping down from NBC Nightly News may mark the end of one chapter, Holt’s work at Dateline NBC ensures his storytelling legacy continues.
📄 Written by the Fact-Pedia Team
Sourced from NBC News, People, Rutgers, Wikipedia, and more. Updated July 2, 2025.
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