Lester Holt: Balancing Career And Family Life As A Loving Father And Grandfather

Lester Holt is usually informing us about the latest hot topics around the world on NBC Nightly News, but when he’s at home with his family, the TV star is a loving dad of two sons. Lester is especially proud to be the doting grandfather of his three grandsons, who adorably know him as “granddude.”

The Emmy-winning journalist shares his children, Stefan Holt and Cameron Holt, with his wife of nearly four decades, Carol Hagen. Lester and his love wed in 1982 and started their family five years into their marriage when they welcomed Stefan, followed by Cameron not long after.

Lester’s children have since aged into young men and have become extremely successful like their famous father. Out of everything Stefan and Cameron have accomplished, the Dateline star praised his sons for having a “strong work ethic.”

When reflecting on their upbringing, Holt expressed his pride in his sons, noting that they were “good boys” who grew into solid men. He shared with Yahoo! Life in July 2021, “There was frankly never any drama. There was no trouble — that I knew of … . They were friendly … they’re running their own way in life … and as a parent, you really couldn’t ask any more.”

As a father, Lester valued the moments spent reading to his boys, a tradition he has continued with his grandchildren. He fondly recalled, “I love reading to my grandkids,” and even during the pandemic, he creatively recorded himself reading a story to send to them, emphasizing that there is “nothing more special than holding a child and they fall asleep for naptime or nighttime.”

Now that his children are in their 30s, Lester enjoys the joys of grandparenting. He humorously noted that the best part of being a grandfather is being able to spoil them and then make an excuse to leave when the hard work starts. “Seriously, it’s all great,” he added, reflecting on how much he enjoys watching his grandchildren grow and seeing his own children’s personalities reflected in them.

His impact as a father is evident, as shown by a heartfelt post from his eldest son, Stefan, on Father’s Day in June 2021. Stefan expressed gratitude for the life lessons imparted by his dad: “From teaching me how to ride a bike, to reporting the news and to raising a family of my own. Thank you, Dad, for everything!”

Keep scrolling to learn more about Stefan and Cameron!