For millions of Americans, Lester Holt is the trusted face of NBC Nightly News — calm, composed, and professional. But beyond the newsroom lights and breaking headlines, he’s a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather affectionately known as “Granddude.”
Holt has shared more than four decades of his life with his wife, Carol Hagen, whom he met at 21 while she was a flight attendant. Two years later, in 1982, they tied the knot in San Francisco. Over the years, their marriage has endured the constant relocations and unpredictable schedule that come with life in broadcast journalism. Holt often credits Carol for being his rock, telling Extra in 2015, “She understands that when the bell rings, I like to answer it. When the big story’s happening, I want to be there — and she’s always been my biggest supporter.” Today, the couple lives in Manhattan with their labradoodle, Lucy, balancing work and family life with ease and grace.
Together, Lester and Carol raised two sons — Stefan and Cameron — who have each forged impressive paths of their own. Stefan, the elder, has followed in his father’s footsteps, anchoring the news at NBC’s Chicago affiliate and carrying on the Holt legacy in broadcast journalism. Cameron, on the other hand, chose a career in finance after graduating from Stanford University and now works for Morgan Stanley. Both sons often credit their parents for grounding them and showing what true commitment looks like.
Stefan recalls spending early mornings at 30 Rockefeller Plaza with his dad, watching him prepare for weekend broadcasts. “I would wake up early just to hang out with him at 30 Rock when he anchored Weekend TODAY,” Stefan said in Fete Lifestyle Magazine. “He even taught me how to drive in the MSNBC parking lot.” Those shared moments not only shaped Stefan’s career path but deepened their father-son bond — a connection that remains strong to this day.
Now, the family’s next generation is taking the spotlight. Stefan and his wife, Morgan, are parents to three boys — Henry, Samuel, and James — who lovingly call their famous grandfather “Granddude.” Holt explained the nickname on The Kelly Clarkson Show, saying, “I didn’t want to be called Grandpa. ‘Grand’ admits I’m older, but ‘Dude’ says I still got a little bit.” The charming moniker quickly stuck, much to the delight of his grandchildren. One of Holt’s favorite moments came in 2021 when Samuel pointed to the TV and recognized him on air — proudly saying, “That’s Granddude!”
Behind the professionalism and authority that define Lester Holt’s presence on-screen is a man deeply committed to his family, proud of his roots, and grateful for his blessings. Whether he’s delivering the evening news or enjoying time with his grandsons, Holt’s humility and warmth remain constant. As he balances journalism and family life, he embodies what it truly means to be both a broadcasting legend and a family man — proving that even America’s most trusted news anchor can still be the coolest Granddude around.
