Lester Holt & Carol Hagen – 45 Years
A chance meeting in 1980 unexpectedly brought together Carol Hagen and Lester Holt, beginning a relationship that would span more than four decades. Hagen, then working as a flight attendant before later building a career in real estate, met Holt while he was an aspiring radio reporter at the start of his journalism journey. Their connection developed quickly, leading to a whirlwind romance and a wedding in 1982.
Over the years, the couple has built a family with two sons while supporting one another through the demands of Holt’s high-profile broadcasting career as anchor of “NBC Nightly News.” Hagen has often been recognized as a constant source of encouragement and stability, and both have credited humor and shared laughter as essential to their lasting marriage. Music has also played an important role in their bond, as Holt is a skilled bassist and the pair regularly enjoy attending jazz performances together, reflecting the shared passions that have strengthened their relationship through the years.