Matt Lauer: What Happened to the Former Today Show Host

For years, Matt Lauer was a familiar face on American morning television, co-hosting NBC’s Today show for two decades. Then, in November 2017, it all came crashing down. The man millions woke up to was suddenly gone, fired over sexual misconduct allegations that sent shockwaves through the network and the industry. Now, eight years later, he leads a much quieter life in the Hamptons — but questions about his past and present still linger.

Age: 67 (born December 30, 1957) ·
Divorce Settlement to Ex-Wife: $20 million ·
Years as Today Show Co-Host: 20 (1997–2017) ·
Number of Children: 3

Seven biographical facts that frame Lauer’s story:

What is going on with Matt Lauer?

Is Matt Lauer in a relationship now?

• Rumors of a new relationship have circulated, but no confirmation from Lauer or any named source. (The New York Times (major daily newspaper))
• He has not been photographed publicly with a partner since the divorce. (Business Insider (business news site))

The pattern: Lauer’s private life remains intentionally opaque — the few details that emerge come from anonymous sources, not from Lauer himself.

Where does Matt Lauer live now?

• Multiple reports place him living quietly in the Hamptons, New York. (People (celebrity news magazine))
• A 2025 TV Insider piece described the same location: a quiet life away from the media spotlight. (TV Insider (TV industry magazine))

Why this matters: The Hamptons location places him relatively close to New York City but far from the media circles he once dominated — a deliberate retreat.

Has Matt Lauer made any public statements?

In November 2017, Lauer issued a statement acknowledging the allegations but saying “some of what is being said about me is untrue or mischaracterized.” (People (celebrity news magazine)) Since then he has given no interviews and made no public appearances. Reports in November 2024 indicated he is reconnecting with old friends and reportedly is “in a very good place with his family.” (People (celebrity news magazine))

What happened between Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie?

Why did Savannah Guthrie and her husband split up?

“I have a difficult item to share…” — Savannah Guthrie, reading the on-air announcement of Lauer’s firing on November 29, 2017.

– Savannah Guthrie on-air statement (NBC News)

• Reports of on-set tension between Guthrie and Lauer before the firing. (The New York Times (major daily newspaper))
• Guthrie appeared visibly emotional while announcing the dismissal. She later said she was “shocked and heartbroken.” (The New York Times (major daily newspaper))
• Guthrie and her husband separated in 2019, but multiple reports state the split was unrelated to Lauer. (USA Today (national newspaper))

The catch: Guthrie’s personal separation came years after the scandal and is not credibly linked to Lauer — but the timing created ongoing speculation.

How did Savannah Guthrie react to Lauer’s firing?

Guthrie went on air alongside co-host Hoda Kotb to read the announcement. She described the news as “deeply upsetting” and said NBC acted “swiftly and decisively.” (NBC News (the network’s news division)) She later admitted in interviews that she felt betrayed and struggled to process what had happened.

What this means: Guthrie’s public handling of the scandal solidified her role as the network’s anchor of record, even as her personal life faced scrutiny.

What happened with Ann Curry and Matt Lauer?

Did Ann Curry leave because of Matt Lauer?

• Widely reported that Lauer contributed to Curry’s ouster from Today in 2012. (Vanity Fair (culture and news magazine))
• Curry’s tearful farewell on live television in June 2012 sparked speculation about behind-the-scenes tension. (Vanity Fair (culture and news magazine))
• Years later, Curry hinted at a toxic workplace but avoided direct accusations against Lauer. (Vanity Fair (culture and news magazine))

“This is not the way I wanted to leave…” — Ann Curry, farewell on Today, 2012.

– Ann Curry on-air statement (NBC News)

What this means: The Curry-Lauer dynamic remains a symbol of the competitive, male-dominated culture at Today during its heyday — a culture that would eventually come under scrutiny after Lauer’s firing.

What did Ann Curry say about Matt Lauer after leaving?

In a 2018 interview, Curry said she “experienced what it was like to be in a workplace where there was bullying and fear.” She stopped short of naming Lauer but made clear the environment was unhealthy. (The Hollywood Reporter (entertainment trade publication))

The implication: Curry’s subdued references to a toxic environment echo the broader pattern of silence that surrounded Lauer’s behavior for years.

How much did Matt Lauer have to pay his ex-wife?

What were the terms of the divorce settlement?

• Lauer agreed to pay Annette Roque $20 million in a settlement finalized in 2019. (People (celebrity news magazine))
• The settlement included division of real estate and custody of their three children. (Business Insider (business news site))
• Multiple reports indicated there was no child support or spousal support. (Nicki Swift (entertainment blog))
• Some early reports suggested the figure could be as high as $50 million, but the $20 million figure has been the most consistently reported. (Business Insider (business news site))

The trade-off: By paying a lump sum and avoiding ongoing spousal support, Lauer effectively closed a big chapter of his financial obligation — but the payout cut deeply into his net worth.

How did the divorce affect Lauer’s net worth?

Before the divorce, Lauer’s net worth was estimated at around $50–70 million. After the $20 million settlement and legal fees, estimates now range from $20–30 million. (Business Insider (business news site))

What does Matt Lauer do for money now?

Is Matt Lauer working?

There is no evidence of Lauer returning to broadcasting or any public-facing job. He reportedly lives off past earnings and investments. (People (celebrity news magazine))

What is Matt Lauer’s net worth?

• Net worth estimates in 2025 vary from $15 million to $30 million. (Business Insider (business news site))
• No new business ventures or media projects have been announced. (TV Insider (TV industry magazine))

The implication: Lauer remains financially comfortable but is no longer in the high-earning bracket he occupied as a morning show star. His career earnings are now static, a sharp contrast to his peak years.

Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear

Editor’s note: The low level of confirmed public information since 2019 underscores how thoroughly Lauer has withdrawn — even his home address remains unconfirmed by major news outlets.

Quotes from key figures

“Some of what is being said about me is untrue or mischaracterized, but there is enough truth in these stories to make me feel embarrassed and ashamed.” — Matt Lauer, statement November 2017.

– Matt Lauer statement via NBC News

“I have a difficult item to share… Matt Lauer was terminated earlier today.” — Savannah Guthrie, on-air announcement, November 29, 2017.

– Savannah Guthrie on NBC’s Today

“This is not the way I wanted to leave…” — Ann Curry, farewell on Today, June 2012.

– Ann Curry on NBC’s Today

“He is reconnecting with old friends and is in a very good place with his family.” — Anonymous source quoted by People, November 2024.

– People (celebrity news magazine)

The paradox: The most recent positive update about Lauer comes from an unnamed source, while Lauer himself remains silent — a fitting metaphor for the controlled, opaque image he has cultivated since his downfall.

Summary

Matt Lauer’s trajectory — from king of morning television to a reclusive ex-anchor living in the Hamptons — illustrates the speed with which career and reputation can collapse. For NBC, the decision to fire him within 24 hours of the first allegation was a watershed moment for workplace accountability in media. For the public, the lingering questions about his current life and future remain unanswered. But one thing is certain: the man who once woke up America is now barely visible.

Frequently asked questions

The pattern: Many of these questions remain open because Lauer has declined to engage publicly since 2017.

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