As Lester Holt’s time at NBC Nightly Information got here to a halt on Friday, Could 30, the anchor shared his gratitude to viewers on air, and viewers reciprocated the appreciation on social media.
Whereas previewing the highest tales on Friday’s broadcast, Holt referred to as his 10-year Nightly Information run “the consideration of a lifetime,” recounting how he coated tales “from Paris to Tokyo, Uvalde to Ukraine, the Biggest Technology to the wild blue yonder.”
And on the finish of the printed, Holt reiterated that he’d be leaving NBC Nightly Information to develop his function as host at Dateline, and he instructed viewers that successor Tom Llamas can be beginning on Monday, June 2.
“As anchor, it has been an honor to steer this program and an honor to be welcomed into your properties. I’m so grateful on your belief,” he instructed viewers. “Round right here, info matter, phrases matter, journalism issues, and also you matter.”
And later, NBC Nightly Information staffers joined Holt on the set as he stated his goodbyes.“I’ll miss our evenings collectively, and I’ll miss the crew that places all of it collectively: my pricey associates and my colleagues,” he stated. “However for now, I simply wish to say thanks to my extremely supportive and affected person household and all of you. … Please proceed to deal with your self and one another, and I’ll do the identical.”
And after a montage of Holt’s time as Nightly Information anchor, he acquired an ovation from his employees and a hug from spouse Carol Hagen. And on social media, viewers and former colleagues wished the journalist properly.
“We are going to miss you, Lester Holt!” @AnnieForTruth wrote on X.
“Crying over Lester Holt leaving the information. That was so stunning,” @famefcker posted.
“Stylish log off from Lester Holt on @NBCNightlyNews. You may be missed!” added Ryan Breton, meteorologist at NBC affiliate Information Heart Maine.
WKBW reporter Kristen Mirand wrote, “Finish of an period at @NBCNightlyNews. I had the surreal honor of interning alongside Lester Holt and the powerhouse crew behind the scenes at NBC. Grateful to have discovered from the very best. Wishing Lester essentially the most significant farewell tonight.”
NBC Information senior project editor Josh Cradduck stated, “Tonight the legendary Lester Holt wraps up his wonderful tenure as anchor of @NBCNightlyNews after a decade behind the desk and within the area,”. “He performed a paramount function within the custom and legacy of Nightly.”
Holt even acquired a shout-out from the CBS Night Information anchors on Friday.
“Lester, many people at CBS bear in mind the 19 years you labored right here earlier than you misplaced your method,” John Dickerson quipped on the finish of that information program’s broadcast.
“Lester made historical past when he took the anchor chair 10 years in the past and has been a tricky competitor ever since,” added Maurice DuBois. “From all of us at CBS Information, Lester, please deal with your self.”
NBC Nightly Information With Tom Llamas, Weeknights, 6:30/5:30c, NBC