After a decade at the helm of “NBC Nightly News,” veteran broadcaster Lester Holt announced Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, that he will step down from the anchor position this summer to focus full-time on his role at “Dateline NBC.”

In a memo to staff, Holt reflected on his pride in having anchored two of what he described as the most successful and iconic television news programs in the history of broadcasting.

Holt, 65, who became the first Black anchor of “NBC Nightly News” in 2015, will continue his work with the network exclusively on “Dateline,” where he has served as principal anchor since 2011.

In his message to colleagues, Holt shared that as a young radio reporter covering the police beat in San Francisco, he never could have predicted how his career would unfold, calling it an “amazing ride.”

The Sacramento native joined NBC News in 2000 and spent eight years anchoring the weekend edition of “Nightly News” before taking over the weeknight broadcast in 2015 following Brian Williams’ departure. Williams was removed from the position after admitting to embellishing stories about his experiences covering the Iraq War.

During his time at “Nightly News,” Holt became known for his signature sign-off, “Please take care of yourself and each other,” and for his steady presence during major national events, particularly during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

NBC News Executive Vice President of Programming Janelle Rodriguez praised Holt in a memo to staff, noting that his leadership had maintained “Nightly News” as a trusted destination for millions of viewers. She highlighted how he guided the network through challenging times, particularly during the pandemic when viewers found comfort in his nightly presence.

Rodriguez concluded by describing Holt as the beating heart of the news organization.

Holt’s move comes amid a significant reshuffling at NBC News, with several other high-profile departures in recent months. “Today” show co-host Hoda Kotb recently stepped down to pass the torch to Craig Melvin, while “Meet the Press” moderator Chuck Todd left the network entirely. Andrea Mitchell ended her daytime MSNBC program and Joy Reid’s show was canceled by the cable news network.

During his tenure, Holt conducted numerous high-profile interviews, including a notable 2021 exchange with then-Vice President Kamala Harris about why she hadn’t visited the Southern border. Harris’ response, “And I haven’t been to Europe,” made headlines at the time.

Holt made waves in the journalism world in 2021 when, while accepting the Edward R. Murrow Award for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism, he suggested that traditional notions of media balance might need reconsideration.

He stated that fairness is overrated and challenged the notion that two sides should always receive equal weight, as he believed this approach doesn’t reflect current realities. Holt used the setting of the sun in the west as an example of a fact that shouldn’t be countered with opposing viewpoints.

He further explained that choosing not to give equal time to unsupported arguments wasn’t failing in journalistic responsibility but rather fulfilling it.

Holt’s career path included time as an intern at Sacramento’s KCRA, the local NBC affiliate. He graduated from Cordova High School in the Sacramento area and attended Sacramento State University before leaving to pursue his broadcasting career. His journalism journey included stops in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago prior to joining NBC News.

In his memo to staff about his transition, Holt expressed excitement about expanding his role at “Dateline,” where he plans to explore subjects he cares deeply about. He will continue to anchor “NBC Nightly News” until early summer 2025, with specific dates to be announced later.

NBC has not yet named a successor for the “Nightly News” anchor chair, though several names have emerged as potential replacements. According to reports, NBC correspondent Tom Llamas is considered a frontrunner, with Hallie Jackson and Jose Diaz-Balart also mentioned as possibilities.

Under Holt’s leadership, “NBC Nightly News” has maintained its position as the second-most-watched evening news broadcast in America, trailing ABC’s “World News Tonight” in the ratings.