A Reunion Six Years in the Making
It’s been six years since Matt Lauer was let go from Today, and over the weekend, he found himself back in the company of some familiar faces. The former broadcaster attended the wedding of producer Jennifer Long and her husband, Reid Sterrett, held in New York City on December 9. This event marked a rare public appearance for Lauer, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight since his departure from the world of television.
Joining Lauer at the celebration were Today personalities like Savannah Guthrie and her husband, Mike Feldman, along with Hoda Kotb and Al Roker. Walking hand in hand with his girlfriend, Shamin Abas, whom he’s been seeing since 2019, Lauer seemed to embrace the moment. The couple tends to keep their relationship private, making this a special occasion for them as well.
From Fame to Fallout: A Reflection
Lauer’s absence from TV screens began in November 2017, following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate workplace behavior. At the time, he issued a heartfelt statement acknowledging the gravity of the situation. “There are no words to express my sorrow and regret for the pain I have caused others by words and actions,” Lauer said. “To the people I have hurt, I am truly sorry. As I reflect on this, I’m overwhelmed by the depth of the damage and disappointment I’ve left in my wake—both at home and at NBC.”
Read also:Tom Selleck Celebrates His 80th Birthday With Plans For The Future
He continued, “Some of what’s been said about me is exaggerated or inaccurate, but there’s enough truth in these stories to leave me feeling both embarrassed and ashamed. I deeply regret that my mistakes have affected those I love most. Repairing this damage will take time and serious self-reflection, but I’m committed to this journey. It’s now my full-time focus. The last few days have been humbling, forcing me to confront my flaws head-on. I’m grateful for the support of loved ones who’ve shown me patience and grace during this challenging period.”
A New Chapter Emerges
After Lauer's exit, Hoda Kotb, now 59, stepped into the role of coanchor alongside Savannah Guthrie, 51, for the early morning segment of Today. Kotb’s promotion was a significant shift for the show, one that brought stability and continuity to a team that had been shaken by scandal.
For Lauer, however, life moved forward in quieter ways. Following his split from wife Annette Roque in September 2019 after more than two decades of marriage, he reportedly reshaped his social circle and embraced a more reserved lifestyle. He shares three children with Roque—Jack, Romy, and Thijs—and has kept their well-being at the forefront of his decisions.
Old Friends, New Beginnings
Among the guests at the wedding were other familiar faces, including former Good Morning America anchors Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes. Their presence added another layer of intrigue to the event, as both had left the show amid controversy surrounding their romance, which came to light in November 2022. At the time, they were still married to their respective partners, Andrew Shue and Marilee Fiebig.
Now divorced, Robach, 50, and Holmes, 46, continue to navigate their relationship openly. Meanwhile, recent reports suggest that Shue, 56, and Fiebig, 46, may have found common ground, with rumors of them dating emerging just days before the wedding. The couple was spotted together for the first time by The Daily Mail, sparking speculation about their newfound connection.
