Lester Holt bid farewell to his role as anchor of NBC Nightly News on Friday, May 30, 2025, after a decade at the helm. His final broadcast was a poignant reflection on his 10-year tenure, during which he guided viewers through significant global and national events, including wars, natural disasters, and political upheavals. Holt also conducted high-profile interviews with world leaders and U.S. presidents, solidifying his reputation as a trusted voice in American journalism. 

In an emotional sign-off, Holt expressed deep gratitude to his colleagues, viewers, and family, emphasizing the honor of delivering the news each evening. He announced that while stepping down from Nightly News, he would continue his work with NBC News as the full-time anchor of Dateline NBC, a role he has held since 2011. This transition allows him to focus on long-form investigative reporting, a shift he described as an opportunity to engage in storytelling that aligns with his journalistic passions. 

Tom Llamas, who joined NBC in 2021 and has served as Holt’s primary substitute anchor, will succeed him as the new anchor of NBC Nightly News, starting Monday, June 2, 2025. Llamas has also been the lead anchor for the NBC News Now streaming service, hosting the one-hour program Top Story. 

Holt’s departure marks the end of a significant era for NBC Nightly News, but his continued presence on Dateline ensures that his legacy in broadcast journalism will endure.