New Nightly News Anchor Reveals Advice From Lester Holt

Tom Llamas

Tom Llamas, 45, succeeds Lester Holt Monday evening as anchor of NBC Nightly News, with Holt transitioning to a full-time role at “Dateline” after a decade in the anchor chair. 

Llamas will continue anchoring “Top Story,” a live, hourlong newscast on NBC News Now, the network’s free streaming platform.

Born to Cuban immigrants, Llamas grew up in Miami, maintaining strong ties to the community (evidenced by Gloria Estefan and Don Francisco attending a Florida party celebrating his promotion). 

He resides in Westchester County, N.Y., with his wife, Jennifer, their three children (ages 12, 9, and 7), and a cherished vinyl record collection amassed from years of global crate-digging while on assignment.

In a recent LA Times interview, Llamas discussed advice from Lester Holt about his new role. 

Holt, who described anchoring as an all-consuming commitment, warned Llamas, “Your life is going to change.” He highlighted the increased demands on Llamas’ time, advising him to balance career and family carefully. Llamas noted that his children are accustomed to his demanding schedule as a correspondent and anchor, often leaving little league games or school plays for breaking news. He emphasized maintaining open conversations with his family to navigate the challenges of his career."

Llamas is in the streaming Era, however he owns a extensive collection of vinyl records.  e explained how his collection started, Ten or 12 years ago, I went to my friend’s house in Los Angeles and he has a record player. I think he played “Sticky Fingers” from the Rolling Stones. We just chilled and we listened to the album. And I thought, “What a great experience.”

Then I realized the other fun part about records is just finding them and collecting them, and trying to get original pressings. I have Wilson Pickett records that were made in Spain. I have Beatles records where the liner notes and the album covers are in different languages. I have a room where I have them — it feels like you’re walking into a jukebox. It’s where I read the paper sometimes. It’s where I prepare for big election nights. I’ll be in there for hours. It’s how I relax."