There's no denying that Lester Holt has become a household name as one of NBC's most trusted faces, but behind the scenes, there's another star who deserves credit for his success—his wife, Carol Hagen. Carol has been by Lester's side for decades, supporting him through thick and thin, and their story is one that's worth celebrating.
How Lester Holt Met His Wife Carol Hagen: A Love Story That Stands the Test of Time
Let’s rewind to the early days of their love story. Lester and Carol met when they were just 21 years old—both young, ambitious, and full of dreams for the future. At the time, Carol was working as a flight attendant for United Airlines, while Lester was carving out his career as a reporter. Who would have guessed that this chance encounter would lead to a lifetime of love and partnership? The couple tied the knot in 1982, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Over the years, Carol has been Lester's rock, cheering him on through every twist and turn of his career. In a candid interview with Extra in June 2015, Lester opened up about the incredible bond they share. "We laugh a lot, we really do," he said with a smile. "I can be silly, but she takes the cake when it comes to being silly. We just laugh through things, and we know that tough times will always turn into great stories someday. And boy, have I put her through some tough times with this job!"
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But it’s not just about the laughter—it's about the understanding and mutual respect they have for each other. Lester went on to explain, "She gets it. When the news breaks, I want to be there, and she understands that. This job means a lot to me, and it brings a lot of late-night phone calls, but she's always there for me, and that means the world." It’s clear that Carol's unwavering support has been a key part of Lester's success.
Carol's Unforgettable On-Air Appearance: A Forest Fire Date Night
One of the most memorable moments in their relationship came when Carol joined Lester on-air during a segment about a forest fire in the Napa Valley. For Carol, it was a unique experience, and she couldn't help but joke about it. "I thought to myself, 'Wow, I've never been invited to go on a breaking news story before,' she told Sactown Magazine. "A forest fire—now that could be considered a hot date!' So I said, 'I'm game.' I guess I knew what I was getting myself into with Lester and his career." It’s moments like these that remind us how much Carol truly embraces every aspect of Lester's life, even the unexpected adventures.
These days, Carol is making waves in a different field. She works as a real estate agent in New York City, where her clients rave about her ability to listen and engage. "Carol’s calm and reassuring demeanor puts her clients at ease, while her professionalism and discretion make her a trusted advisor," her bio on Realtor.com reads. "With a sharp eye for detail, Carol ensures her clients are fully supported throughout the buying and selling process. Her expertise in staging properties helps her clients showcase their homes in the best possible light, achieving maximum value in the shortest amount of time."
Lester Holt and Carol's Family Life: Kids and Grandkids
Lester and Carol aren’t just a power couple—they’re also proud parents. The pair has two sons, Stefan and Cameron, who have grown up watching their father’s career unfold. Stefan, the older of the two, has fond memories of spending time with his dad during the early days of Lester’s tenure at NBC. "We moved to New York when I was 13, and throughout high school, I’d wake up early on Saturday mornings to hang out with Dad at 30 Rock when he anchored Weekend Today," Stefan shared with Fete Lifestyle Magazine in March 2024. "In fact, my dad gave me one of my first driving lessons in the parking lot at MSNBC. I only remember hitting one curb!"
But the Holt family doesn’t stop there. Lester and Carol are also grandparents to Stefan and Cameron’s children. During an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show in April 2021, Lester revealed that his grandkids affectionately call him "Granddude." "I just melt," Lester admitted. "You know, kids have a way of taking you out of everything else going on in your life. They remind you what’s truly important."
