It has been nearly eight years since Matt Lauer’s abrupt exit from NBC’s Today show shocked viewers across the United States. Once a familiar face in millions of households every morning, Lauer has since stepped out of the spotlight almost entirely. For many, the lingering question remains: where is Matt Lauer now?
As of 2025, the former anchor leads a life far different from his television days. From quiet living in the Hamptons to rare public appearances, his story today is one of retreat, privacy, and occasional glimpses into his personal world.
The Career That Defined Him
Before exploring where Matt Lauer is now, it’s important to remember the career that made him a household name.
- He joined NBC News in the early 1990s.
- By 1997, he became co-anchor of Today, sitting alongside Katie Couric, Meredith Vieira, and eventually Savannah Guthrie.
- At his peak, Lauer was one of the most highly paid figures in broadcast journalism, reportedly earning more than $20 million annually.
- His work included high-profile interviews, live event coverage, and anchoring historic moments such as the 9/11 attacks and multiple presidential elections.
His rise was swift and his career stable, but by late 2017 everything changed. Allegations of misconduct ended his tenure at NBC, and Lauer disappeared from the television screens that once defined his life.
Where Is Matt Lauer Now? Settling Into Private Life
The answer to where is Matt Lauer now begins with his decision to retreat from public view. After leaving NBC, he avoided interviews, publishing deals, or any kind of professional comeback. Instead, he moved into a quieter routine in the Hamptons, where he has long owned property.
In the early years after his firing, he was rarely seen in public. Even in his own community, Lauer kept a low profile, choosing quiet restaurants, private gatherings, and limited social events. Over time, however, reports suggest he has grown more comfortable being seen, attending small functions and reconnecting with friends he once kept at a distance.
The Hamptons: His Main Home Base
The Hamptons remain central to Matt Lauer’s life today. Known for its exclusivity, this area provides both privacy and access to long-established social circles. Residents in the community have spotted Lauer out with friends, enjoying dinners, and spending time with his children.
Unlike his high-pressure schedule at NBC, his life in the Hamptons is much more relaxed. He is not bound to studio call times or global travel for assignments. Instead, he spends much of his days maintaining personal connections, supporting his kids, and enjoying the quieter pace that the East End lifestyle offers.
The New Zealand Connection
In addition to the Hamptons, Matt Lauer owns a sprawling estate in New Zealand, which he purchased during his time at NBC. The property, known as Hunter Valley Station, is situated in a remote and picturesque location, far removed from the paparazzi and media attention of the U.S.
The New Zealand retreat offers seclusion and a way to step completely outside American public life. While he does not live there permanently, Lauer is known to spend stretches of time there, appreciating the space, privacy, and distance from headlines.
For someone who once lived under the constant gaze of millions, this quiet landscape provides the opposite—a rare form of peace.
Public Sightings and Social Appearances
Though his lifestyle is private, there have been a few notable times when Matt Lauer has appeared in public since his departure from NBC.
- 2024 Wedding Appearance: Lauer and girlfriend Shamin Abas were seen at a New York wedding, marking one of his higher-profile outings.
- Hamptons Outings: Over the past year, photographers have occasionally captured him dining or walking in the Hamptons. These sightings often spark online chatter, as many remain curious about how he looks and what he is doing today.
- Friend Circles: Reports suggest he has started reconnecting with friends and acquaintances he distanced himself from in the immediate years after leaving NBC.
These appearances are not frequent, but each one draws attention, as people remain intrigued by what has become of him.
Relationship With Shamin Abas
One of the most stable parts of Matt Lauer’s current life is his relationship with Shamin Abas, a businesswoman with a career in marketing and public relations. The couple began dating in 2019 and continue to be seen together in 2025.
Unlike the constant public exposure that defined his marriage to Annette Roque, his relationship with Abas has remained relatively private. They share social outings but avoid putting themselves in the spotlight. Those close to them describe the partnership as steady and supportive, offering Lauer a sense of normalcy after years of turmoil.
Family Life and Fatherhood
Beyond romance, Matt Lauer remains deeply committed to his children: Jack, Romy, and Thijs. Despite the divorce from his ex-wife Annette Roque in 2019, the pair maintain an amicable co-parenting relationship.
Lauer is often described as hands-on with his kids, attending their activities and prioritizing family time. In fact, fatherhood has become one of his defining roles since leaving NBC. The transition from anchor to full-time dad has kept him grounded and offered purpose in a life no longer driven by ratings or news cycles.
Financial Stability and Real Estate Moves
Having spent decades at the top of broadcast journalism, Matt Lauer’s finances remain strong. His high earnings during his NBC years allowed him to invest in luxury real estate, including his Hamptons estate and the New Zealand property.
In recent years, he has also sold some properties, signaling a shift toward a more streamlined lifestyle. While he no longer has the same visibility, he continues to enjoy the benefits of financial security. Unlike some former media figures who attempt to monetize a comeback, Lauer has the resources to live quietly without needing public work.
The Comeback Question
Every few years, speculation arises about whether Matt Lauer might attempt a return. Some believe a podcast, memoir, or digital show could provide a platform for him to reintroduce himself to the public.
So far, Lauer has given no indication that he plans to take that step. The challenges of rebuilding a career after such a public scandal are immense, and he appears to prefer his current path of privacy over risking renewed scrutiny.
For now, the answer is clear: there is no comeback in the works.
Public Perception in 2025
The question of where is Matt Lauer now is not only about geography—it also reflects public curiosity about how Americans see him today.
To some, he remains a symbol of one of television’s biggest falls from grace. To others, he is simply a former journalist who has faded from the cultural conversation. His limited public exposure has helped keep controversies from resurfacing, but his name still generates discussion whenever new photos or sightings emerge.
Where Is Matt Lauer Now? The Big Picture
So, where is Matt Lauer now?
- Living primarily in the Hamptons, maintaining a quiet lifestyle.
- Spending time in New Zealand at his private estate.
- Focused on family life, especially being present for his three children.
- In a stable relationship with Shamin Abas.
- Occasionally appearing in public, but avoiding media roles.
His life today is far removed from the world of morning news. The man once watched by millions each day now leads a quieter, slower existence—choosing family, privacy, and peace over a public platform.
Where is Matt Lauer now? He is no longer on our screens, no longer the face of morning news, and no longer chasing headlines. Instead, he is living a quieter life in the Hamptons, traveling occasionally to New Zealand, and focusing on what matters most to him—his children, his relationships, and a life away from television.
What do you think—should Matt Lauer remain private, or do you believe a comeback could happen one day? Share your thoughts below.