Let’s talk about Lester Holt. You probably know him best from his role as the anchor of NBC Nightly News, where he keeps us informed about the biggest stories happening around the globe. But when Lester steps away from the spotlight, he’s just like any other dad—raising a family, sharing laughter, and creating cherished memories. Lester has been married to his wife, Carol Hagen, for over four decades, and together they’ve built a life filled with love and pride. They’re the proud parents of two sons, Stefan and Cameron Holt, who have grown into accomplished adults. And now, as a grandfather to three adorable grandsons, Lester has embraced his new title of “granddude” with open arms.

For Lester, being a father wasn’t just about providing for his kids—it was about instilling values that would help them succeed in life. His sons have taken those lessons to heart, each carving out their own paths in life. Stefan followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a respected journalist, while Cameron pursued a career in finance. Both men reflect the strong work ethic and integrity that their dad taught them growing up. In a candid interview with Yahoo! Life in July 2021, Lester opened up about his pride in his boys. “They’re really solid, good men,” he said. “They’re friendly, they’re running their own way in life… and as a parent, you really couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Stefan Holt: Following in Dad's Footsteps

lester-holts-kids-meet-sons-stefan-cameron-with-wife-carol — Courtesy of Lester Holt/Instagram

Stefan Holt was born in 1987, marking the beginning of Lester’s journey into fatherhood. From an early age, Stefan showed a keen interest in journalism, inspired by his dad’s career. He pursued this passion at Pepperdine University, where he studied broadcast journalism and political science, graduating in 2009. After college, Stefan wasted no time diving into the world of news. He began his career as a reporter and fill-in anchor for Hearst Magazine in West Palm Beach, Florida. Two years later, he made the leap to NBC, where he’s been shining ever since. Since May 2011, Stefan has been delivering the news to viewers across Chicago as part of the NBC 5 team.

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Like his father, Stefan understands the challenges and responsibilities that come with being a journalist. During a February 2025 interview with NBCU Academy, Lester shared some sage advice for Stefan and other young reporters entering the field. “Be prepared for the winds of change,” he urged. “People will always crave news, but how they consume it will keep evolving. Journalism is more than just a job—it’s a calling. You have to believe in what we do because we play a vital role in democracy. It’s not easy, especially when trust in the media is questioned, but standing up for journalistic principles takes courage. Don’t let the noise distract you from delivering the truth.”

But Stefan isn’t just a successful journalist; he’s also a devoted family man. In 2012, he married Morgan Holt, and together they’ve welcomed three sons: Henry, Sam, and their youngest, James. The arrival of their third child in September 2021 was announced with a charming Instagram post. “Breaking News: Henry and Sam are excited to welcome their baby brother this fall,” Stefan wrote. A few months later, he revealed the name they’d chosen for their newborn. “Our sweet baby James has arrived,” he posted alongside adorable photos of his newest addition, adding the hashtags “baby boy” and “happy birthday.”

Cameron Holt: Charting His Own Course

Cameron Holt, born in 1990, has carved out a successful career in a field quite different from his father’s. After graduating from Stanford University with a degree in mathematical and computational science in 2012, Cameron continued his education, earning a master’s degree in management science and engineering the following year. His career began with an internship on the production team for two CNBC shows, Squawk on the Street and CNBC Reports, but he soon transitioned to the financial world. Since 2013, Cameron has worked as the Vice President of the Institutional Equity Division at Morgan Stanley, proving that success runs in the family, albeit in different industries.

Unlike his brother, Cameron prefers to keep a low profile when it comes to his personal life. However, we do know a few things about him. His Twitter bio describes him as a “Yankees fan and coffee drinker extraordinaire,” hinting at some of his interests. While Cameron doesn’t have children of his own, he’s a loving pet dad to his rescue dogs, Millie and Maddy, according to reports from Heavy.

Grandparenthood: A New Chapter for Lester Holt

As a grandfather, Lester Holt has entered a new and delightful phase of life. He’s been blessed with three grandsons through his eldest son, Stefan, and he couldn’t be prouder. Lester has even earned a fun nickname from his grandkids—they call him “granddude.” When asked what he loves most about being a grandparent, Lester joked, “People say you get to spoil them, love them, and then make an excuse to leave when the hard work comes.”

But there’s nothing