Who Is Lester Holt Wife, Carol Hagen? How Many Children Does Lester Holt Have?

Lester Holt has been a mainstay on television screens for decades, bringing the news to millions of Americans with his signature calm and collected demeanor. At 65 years old in 2025, he has built an impressive career, leading NBC Nightly News for years before shifting to a full-time role on Dateline. With a net worth of $35 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, Holt has secured not only professional success but also a stable and happy life at home with his wife, Carol Hagen. Married for over 40 years, their relationship is a testament to love, laughter, and unwavering support.

How Lester Holt and Carol Hagen Met

Before he became a household name, Lester Holt was just a young radio anchor making a name for himself at KCBS in the early 1980s. During that time, he met Carol Hagen, who was working as a flight attendant. The two instantly connected, and their love story took off. They married in 1982, embarking on a journey that would see them move across the country, following Holt’s rising career in journalism.

The couple spent years city-hopping, relocating from New York to California and eventually settling in Chicago. Throughout it all, Carol remained by his side, adjusting to the demands of his job and supporting him as his career evolved.

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A Family Rooted in Love and Success

Lester and Carol built a beautiful life together, welcoming two sons: Stefan, born in 1987, and Cameron, born in 1990. Both sons carved out successful careers for themselves, albeit in different fields.

Stefan, inspired by his father’s legacy in journalism, pursued a career in broadcast news. After graduating from Pepperdine University with degrees in political science and broadcast journalism, he went on to anchor at WMAQ-TV and later joined NBC 5 News. His career closely mirrors his father’s, proving that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

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Cameron, on the other hand, took a different route. After earning a degree from Stanford University, he pursued a career in finance. According to Lester, Cameron once did an internship in journalism but quickly decided that reporters “work too hard.” Fair enough—after all, journalism isn’t for the faint of heart.

The Challenges of a High-Profile Career and a Lasting Marriage

Balancing a career in broadcast journalism with a healthy personal life is no easy feat. News anchors work long, unpredictable hours, covering some of the most tragic and intense stories. Yet, Lester and Carol have figured out a formula that works for them, one that keeps their marriage strong even in the face of adversity.

Carol knew exactly what she was signing up for when she married Lester. On their very first date, he took her along to cover a forest fire—talk about a fiery start! Over the years, she has remained his rock, understanding the demands of his job and supporting him through the many challenges that come with being a journalist.

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Despite the pressures, Lester and Carol have always prioritized laughter in their relationship. In an interview with Extra in 2015, Lester shared, “We laugh a lot, we really do. I can be silly, she can be sillier. We just laugh through things and we know that everything, tough times will be a story at some point, and boy have I put her through some tough times with this job.”

Carol Hagen: More Than Just “Lester Holt’s Wife”

While many know Carol as the woman standing beside Lester Holt, she has carved out her own successful career. After leaving the airline industry, she transitioned into real estate, working as a licensed realtor. Over the years, she has built a reputation for helping clients navigate the competitive housing market, particularly in New York.

Carol’s ability to adapt and evolve in her career while supporting her husband’s demanding schedule speaks to her resilience and independence. She isn’t just defined by her husband’s success; she has built her own impressive career while maintaining a thriving marriage.

The Secret to Their Long-Lasting Marriage

It’s rare to see marriages last as long as Lester and Carol’s, especially in industries as demanding as journalism and real estate. So, what’s their secret?

For Carol, it’s always been about the man behind the camera, not the TV personality millions see every night. In a 2015 interview with Sactown Magazine, she shared, “I fell in love with the guy who wasn’t the TV guy. I fell in love with Lester Holt with the scanner in his car, running around and covering stories. He could stop doing TV right now, and it wouldn’t matter to me.”

This deep-rooted love and respect for each other’s true selves have been the foundation of their marriage. They support each other unconditionally, prioritize family, and never lose sight of the things that truly matter.

Life Beyond the News Desk

As Lester Holt transitions into his new full-time role at Dateline, he will likely have more time to spend with Carol and their family. While his career continues to thrive, he is also looking forward to embracing life outside the newsroom.

From their early days of chasing stories to settling into a life of love, laughter, and mutual support, Lester and Carol Holt exemplify what it means to build a strong marriage. Their journey hasn’t been without challenges, but their unwavering commitment to each other has made all the difference.

As Lester continues to inform and inspire millions, one thing remains certain: behind every great journalist is an equally great partner. For Lester Holt, that partner is Carol Hagen—his biggest supporter, his best friend, and the love of his life.