Lester Holt signed off from 'NBC Nightly News' after a decade, calling it the 'honor of a lifetime,' and leaving behind a legacy of covering everything from pandemics to how not to fill a news anchor's seat.

As viewers bid adieu to Holt, who will continue his journalistic journey hosting 'Dateline,' the news world gears up for a new chapter under Tom Llamas. In a tenure marked by crises, Holt's farewell underlines not just the importance of credible reporting in turbulent times, but also how to gracefully exit a high-stakes job without accidentally taking a chair with you.

In a poignant farewell segment, Holt expressed heartfelt gratitude towards his audience, family, and crew, underscoring that their support was the backbone of his decade-long journey. This moment resonated particularly well—after all, what could be more exhilarating than reliving ten years of significant events with a well-assembled team and a seemingly endless supply of caffeine?

Reflecting on his tenure, Holt highlighted several of the monumental events that unfolded, including the pandemic, mass shootings, and natural disasters. It was as if the universe had conspired to hand him a duty roster of challenges. 'If you needed a newsworthy sob story or two,' he seemed to say without saying, 'I was your guy.' Of course, with great responsibility comes great resilience, and Holt weathered it all with a characteristic calm that made him something of a news veteran—calm in the storm of chaotic headlines.

He acknowledged the immense pressure his profession demands, stating, 'facts matter, words matter, journalism matters, and you matter.' This catchy little mantra is bound to be slapped onto inspirational posters in newsrooms across the country. Perhaps a redesign is in order: a contemplative photo of Holt with the words splashed across a backdrop that might include—what else?—a raging storm or a perplexed crowd.

As he thanked his successor, Tom Llamas, Holt’s absence of plot twists was almost refreshing. Llamas is set to take over the 'Nightly News' desk starting June 2, and even Holt's kind words couldn't help but come with a slight implication of, 'Good luck, buddy; you’re gonna need it.' As Llamas fills Holt's shoes, one can only hope he finds them a decent fit—loose enough to allow for running, should news break unexpectedly.

While Holt is stepping away from the anchor desk, he's not stepping away from NBC. He plans to continue engaging audiences on 'Dateline,' exercising his penchant for investigative storytelling. One can only speculate on how the change in scenery will sit with him—after all, after so many years in front of the camera, transitioning to a new format could feel a little like moving from a cozy old couch to an unexpectedly firm dining chair.

Starting his illustrious career at CBS in 1981 before joining NBC News in 2003, Holt's journey has been nothing short of remarkable. He took over as the 'Nightly News' anchor in 2015, succeeding Brian Williams during an awkwardly public fall from grace. It seems Holt replaced scandal with a steady presence, a move perhaps accompanied by a plethora of exit strategies to avoid any potential ridicule about his sitting posture or choice of tie.

So, as Holt hands the reigns over to Llamas, he does so with the wisdom of one who understands the art of journalism is not just about being in the right place at the right time—it's also definitely about not inadvertently using a video montage of your early hair-styling choices as the closing shots of your farewell broadcast.