Hoda Kotb couldn’t resist teasing her longtime colleague Lester Holt following his recent announcement that he will be stepping down as anchor of NBC Nightly News. 

In a lighthearted Instagram post, Kotb congratulated Holt on his impressive career while joking that he should consider a quieter life in the suburbs—just like she did.

Hoda’s Playful Message to Lester Holt

On February 25, Kotb, 60, shared a heartfelt tribute to Holt, 65, alongside photos of them together. In her caption, 

she acknowledged his incredible run at NBC Nightly News before adding a humorous suggestion: 

“Now all that’s left is a move to the burbs … and a [Toyota] Sienna minivan! Xx love you @lesterholtnbc. Xo.”

Kotb’s joke was a nod to her own decision to leave Today earlier this year in favor of a more family-focused lifestyle. She made the move out of New York City with her daughters, Haley, 8, and Hope, 5, in March 2024, settling into suburban life by the fall.

A New Chapter for Hoda in the Suburbs

Since making the transition, Kotb has embraced her new environment wholeheartedly. She previously shared how much she enjoyed the change, recalling a heartwarming moment from her children’s first day at their new school.

“We went for our first day of school, I carried a coffee, and I had sneakers [on], and I walked my kids to school like normal people. It was awesome,” she said on a September 2024 episode of Today With Hoda & Jenna.

Her excitement about the move continued into the holiday season, especially during Halloween. She revealed that in New York City, trick-or-treating for her daughters consisted of visiting local businesses. “We used to go trick-or-treating at CVS and the dry cleaners,” she explained. Now, she was thrilled that her children could experience Halloween the traditional way, walking through decorated neighborhoods filled with spooky decorations.

She even gave her final Today episode in January a personal touch, leaving 30 Rockefeller Plaza in a minivan with a sign reading “Just Repotted” attached to the back—a symbolic farewell to city life.

Lester Holt’s Departure from NBC Nightly News

Kotb’s joke came shortly after Holt announced his departure from NBC Nightly News after 15 years as anchor. In a memo to staff on February 24, Holt reflected on his time with the network, calling it an “amazing ride.”

“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,” he wrote. He also reminisced about his early days in journalism, sharing how he never could have predicted such a remarkable career trajectory when he first started as a radio reporter covering breaking news in San Francisco.

Although Holt is stepping away from his role at NBC Nightly News, he is not leaving the network entirely. He will continue to serve as a full-time anchor for Dateline, a show he has been a part of for many years.

Hoda Kotb’s New Role at NBC

Much like Holt, Kotb is staying connected to NBC even after her departure from Today. She has taken on a new position as a special correspondent, where she will contribute occasional segments to Today and cover high-profile events such as the next two Olympic Games.

In an interview last month, Kotb opened up about her post-Today plans, expressing her excitement about stepping into a different role at the network. “I want to be a supporting character on a team that is already in place so that I’ll come in and just have a role there,” she said.

Additionally, she will continue hosting her popular podcast, Making Space, and is in the early stages of developing a wellness app and company.

What’s Next for NBC Nightly News?

While Holt’s replacement has yet to be announced, there is plenty of speculation about who will take over the highly coveted position. In the meantime, fans and colleagues alike continue to celebrate his legacy and wish him well as he moves into the next phase of his career.

As for Kotb’s friendly suggestion that Holt follow her into the suburban lifestyle, only time will tell if he takes her advice. But one thing is certain—both journalists have left a lasting impact on the world of television news, and their legacies will be remembered for years to come.

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