In the bustling world of broadcast journalism, where stories flash across screens and voices carry the weight of truth, few moments resonate as deeply as a son’s tribute to his father. On May 30, 2025, as Lester Holt, the venerable anchor of NBC Nightly News, signed off from his decade-long tenure, his son Stefan Holt, a respected journalist in his own right, delivered a message that stopped the world in its tracks. Broadcast from the studios of NBC 5 in Chicago, Stefan’s words were more than a farewell to a legendary career—they were a heartfelt ode to a father who shaped not only his path but also the very fabric of modern journalism.
Lester Holt’s final broadcast was a milestone in television history. At 66, he had become a household name, the first Black journalist to solo anchor a weekday network nightly newscast, a role he assumed in 2015 after Brian Williams’ departure. His steady voice and bespectacled gaze had guided millions through turbulent times—pandemics, elections, natural disasters, and mass shootings. But as the cameras rolled for his last Nightly News segment, it was the presence of his family, particularly his son Stefan, that added a layer of profound humanity to the moment.
Stefan, an anchor at NBC 5 WMAQ-TV in Chicago, took to the airwaves to honor his father. His message was raw, unguarded, and deeply personal. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Stefan began, his voice steady but thick with emotion, “not only for being the kind of father that every kid hopes for, but also for being the kind of mentor that every journalist dreams of.” These words, spoken live on air, were a testament to a bond forged through love, sacrifice, and a shared passion for storytelling.
Lester’s journey to becoming a titan of journalism was not without its challenges. Born in 1959 in Marin County, California, he studied government at California State University in Sacramento before embarking on a career that began humbly at WCBS-TV in New York in 1981. After 14 years at WBBM-TV in Chicago, where he anchored afternoon and evening news, he joined MSNBC in 2000, eventually rising to co-anchor Weekend Today and host Lester Holt Live. His ascent to NBC Nightly News anchor was a historic moment, marked by his commitment to integrity and truth. “Facts matter, words matter, journalism matters, and you matter,” he said in his final broadcast, a mantra that defined his career.
Stefan, now in his late 30s, grew up watching his father navigate this demanding world. As a child, he spent countless hours behind the scenes at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, absorbing the frenetic energy of newsrooms and the quiet dedication of his father. “For all those years letting me hang out behind the scenes at 30 Rock, trying to soak it all in,” Stefan said in his tribute, recalling moments that shaped his own career. Those early experiences were more than just exposure—they were lessons in humility, curiosity, and resilience.
One memory stood out for Stefan: a rare assignment they shared in Cuba in 2016, covering the death of Fidel Castro. Lester was there for Nightly News, Stefan for WNBC in New York. A photograph from that trip, posted by Stefan on Instagram, captured the two men side by side—Lester, seasoned and composed, and Stefan, still finding his footing. “There’s me, trying to figure things out,” Stefan wrote, “and there’s him, doing what he’s always done: showing up with genuine curiosity, humility, and a never-quit attitude.” That moment, Stefan said, was a defining one, a reminder of the standard his father set.
Lester’s influence on Stefan extended beyond professional guidance. As a father, he was a constant presence, even when his career demanded long hours and frequent travel. Stefan acknowledged the sacrifices in his tribute: “I know it didn’t come without sacrifice, but I also know deep down that it was worth it.” Lester’s wife, Carol Hagen, stood by his side during the final broadcast, her presence a quiet testament to the family’s strength. Together, they raised two sons, Stefan and Cameron, instilling in them values of hard work and compassion.
Stefan’s own career mirrors his father’s in many ways. After graduating from Pepperdine University, he began as a reporter in West Palm Beach, Florida, before moving to NBC stations in New York and Chicago. His time in Chicago was particularly poignant, as it echoed Lester’s years at WBBM-TV. Stefan’s polished delivery and commitment to local stories earned him respect, but it was his father’s mentorship that gave him confidence. “For all the critiques, the career advice,” Stefan said, thanking Lester for shaping him into the journalist he is today.
The emotional weight of Stefan’s message lay in its universality. It wasn’t just a son thanking a father; it was a reflection on legacy, gratitude, and the quiet heroism of those who dedicate their lives to public service. Lester’s tenure at Nightly News was marked by a relentless pursuit of truth, whether reporting from a makeshift studio during the COVID-19 pandemic or sitting down with world leaders like Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. His occasional bass guitar performances, including a memorable jam with Kelly Clarkson, added warmth to his public persona, but it was his integrity that resonated most.
As Lester transitions to a full-time role on Dateline, where he has been principal anchor for 15 years, Stefan expressed hope for the future. “I hope this next chapter with Dateline is filled with as much contentment,” he said, “and hopefully a little more time to come hang out with Morgan and me and the grandkids here in Chicago.” Morgan, Stefan’s wife and a fellow broadcaster, and their children represent the next generation of the Holt family, a legacy Lester takes pride in.
The broadcast world felt the impact of Stefan’s words. Social media buzzed with reactions, from viewers who admired Lester’s professionalism to aspiring journalists inspired by the father-son bond. One viewer commented, “Stefan’s tribute shows what it means to have a role model who leads by example.” Another wrote, “Lester Holt is a legend, and Stefan’s words remind us how much family matters in this crazy world.”
Lester’s departure from Nightly News marks the end of an era, but his influence endures. Tom Llamas, the 45-year-old son of Cuban refugees, has taken the helm, becoming the first Latino weekday anchor of an English-language evening newscast. Lester’s final words to viewers—“Please continue to take care of yourselves, and each other”—echoed his belief in journalism as a force for good. For Stefan, those words were personal. “Dad, congratulations on your final broadcast,” he concluded. “I love you.”
In a world often divided by noise and conflict, Stefan Holt’s tribute was a reminder of what binds us: love, gratitude, and the stories we tell. As Lester moves to Dateline, where he plans to dive into long-form journalism and issues like criminal justice reform, his legacy is secure—not just in the annals of broadcast history, but in the heart of a son who sees him as both a hero and a dad. The Holt family’s story, woven through decades of deadlines and headlines, is one of resilience and connection, a beacon for anyone striving to make a difference, one truth at a time.
