There’s nothing quite like family, especially in the world of television! Lester Holt, the iconic anchor of the weekday edition of NBC Nightly News, opened up about how much he’s going to miss Kathie Lee Gifford when she waves goodbye on the April 5 episode of Today. With over a decade of her vibrant presence on the show, her departure leaves a big void in the NBC family.
In an exclusive chat with Closer Weekly, Lester — who also anchors Dateline — shared his heartfelt thoughts about Kathie Lee during a non-televised dinner on March 29. The event, held ahead of the NAACP Image Awards in Los Angeles, gave him a chance to reflect on what made Kathie Lee such a beloved figure within the network.
Why Lester Holt Admires Kathie Lee Gifford
Lester, who’s been a part of the NBC family for years, couldn’t stop raving about Kathie Lee’s authenticity. “Oh, my goodness! Her genuineness and her authenticity,” the 60-year-old anchor exclaimed. “This industry is full of structure, and sometimes things feel overly produced. But Kathie Lee? She’s always been her own person. That’s what sets her apart. What you see is what you get. Viewers connect with that honesty, and it’s truly a rare gem in this business.”
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Kathie Lee’s Final Farewell and What’s Next
Having attended Kathie Lee’s epic farewell bash last week, Lester joked that she’s heading off to a girls’ weekend after her final show — and, unfortunately, he didn’t get an invite. But he couldn’t help but express how much Kathie Lee means to everyone at NBC. “She’s part of our family,” Lester shared fondly. “Kathie Lee has a gift for making people feel seen and heard. Her talents are endless, and she’ll always hold a special place in our hearts.”
Looking Ahead: Kathie Lee’s New Adventures
Kathie Lee first dropped the news about her departure last December, and it wasn’t long before Jenna Bush Hager was announced as her successor, joining co-host Hoda Kotb. Rumor has it that Kathie Lee might be leaving the bustling streets of New York City for the country charm of Nashville, where she plans to chase new passions. But don’t worry — she’s all smiles about Jenna stepping into her shoes. “I have something to share with everybody,” Kathie Lee announced back in December. “It’s bittersweet, as these things always are, but I’ve been here almost 11 years. I thought I’d stay just one year, but along the way, I fell in love with a beautiful Egyptian goddess. And on our 11th anniversary, I’ll be leaving the Today show.”
As Kathie Lee embarks on the next chapter of her life, we send her our warmest wishes. Her legacy will undoubtedly live on, and her fans will continue to cheer her on in whatever she chooses to do next.
