NBC’s Lester Holt is stepping down as anchor of "NBC Nightly News" after a decade. He made the announcement on Monday.
"A smile comes to my face when I think that with Nightly News, and Dateline, I have now anchored two of the most successful and iconic television news programs in broadcast history," Holt told staff in a note obtained by Fox News Digital.
"As a 20-year-old radio reporter on the police beat chasing breaking news around San Francisco, I could never have imagined my career path would unfold in the way it has," he added. "What an amazing ride."
Holt will remain with NBC but will shift his focus to "Dateline" full-time. His departure from "NBC Nightly News" will take place this summer.
He joined NBC News in 2000 and became the principal anchor of "Dateline NBC" in 2011. He took over "NBC Nightly News" in 2015 after Brian Williams was moved to MSNBC following accusations of embellishing news events.
Holt had already spent eight years anchoring the weekend edition before taking the lead role. His replacement has not yet been named.
NBC News Executive Vice President Janelle Rodriguez shared the news in a memo. "Lester shared with his team that after 10 years as the NBC Nightly News anchor, he’s taking on a dedicated full-time role at Dateline, his second home," she wrote.
"Because of Lester’s steady and thoughtful leadership, Nightly News has sustained its perch as a trusted and top news destination for millions," Rodriguez continued. She praised his role during the pandemic and his ability to interview world leaders. "Quite simply, Lester is the beating heart of this news organization."
Holt, a journalist for four decades, ends each broadcast with, "Please take care of yourself and each other." One of his most memorable moments came in 2021 when he questioned Vice President Kamala Harris about not visiting the border, prompting her now-infamous response, "And I haven't been to Europe."
That same year, Holt sparked controversy when he suggested "fairness is overrated" while accepting a journalism award. "The idea that we should always give two sides equal weight and merit does not reflect the world we find ourselves in," he said.
He argued that giving airtime to misinformation, especially on public health and safety, can be dangerous. "The duty of reporters is to be fair to the truth," he declared.
Holt’s exit follows other major changes at NBC News and MSNBC. Hoda Kotb left "Today," Chuck Todd departed "Meet the Press," Andrea Mitchell ended her daytime show, and Joy Reid’s program was canceled.