The Quiet Life: Where Is Matt Lauer Now And Is A Media Comeback Possible?

Eight years after his abrupt and dramatic firing from NBC's Today Show, former anchor Matt Lauer has retreated into a largely private existence, but his name continues to generate intense curiosity. As of late 2024, Lauer, now 67, is primarily living a quiet, low-key life in the Hamptons, New York, maintaining a drastically changed social circle and focusing on his personal relationships, though recent public appearances and persistent rumors suggest he may be testing the waters for a professional return. The world of morning television, which he once dominated, has moved on, leaving many to wonder what became of the once-ubiquitous news personality and the status of his substantial real estate holdings, particularly his massive New Zealand estate.

The transition from a high-profile media career to a life out of the public eye has been significant for Lauer, who was one of the highest-paid figures in television news. His current daily life revolves around his Hamptons home and his long-term relationship with a luxury public relations executive, a stark contrast to his decades spent interviewing presidents and celebrities on a global stage. This deep dive explores Lauer's current location, his personal life updates, the status of his vast properties, and the latest on his potential return to the media landscape.

Matt Lauer: A Biographical Profile and Career Overview

Matt Lauer’s career was defined by his long tenure at the forefront of American morning news before his dramatic fall from grace.

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• Full Name: Matthew Todd Lauer
• Date of Birth: December 30, 1957 (Age 67 as of late 2024)
• Place of Birth: New York City, New York
• Education: School of Telecommunications at Ohio University (did not graduate, but received a degree in 1997 after completing coursework)
• Career Highlight: Co-anchor of NBC's Today Show from 1997 until 2017.
• Fired from NBC: November 29, 2017, following a detailed complaint of "inappropriate sexual behavior" in the workplace.
• Marital Status: Divorced from Annette Roque (married 1998, divorced 2019).
• Children: Three—sons Jack and Thijs, and daughter Romy.
• Current Partner: Shamin Abas, a luxury public relations executive.

Lauer began his career in local news before joining NBC in 1992 as a host of Today in New York. He quickly moved up, becoming the news anchor for Today in 1994 and eventually replacing Bryant Gumbel as co-anchor in 1997. His two decades on the show cemented his status as a morning television icon, a legacy that was irrevocably shattered by the allegations leading to his firing.

The Hamptons and New Zealand: Lauer's Current Homes and Lifestyle

Since his departure from Today, Matt Lauer has settled into a life of relative seclusion, largely centered around his opulent real estate portfolio. This change in environment has allowed him to maintain a private existence while still enjoying the trappings of his significant wealth.

The Low-Key Hamptons Life

Lauer's primary residence is now his sprawling property in the Hamptons, New York, where he has been observed living a very quiet lifestyle. Sources close to him indicate that he "doesn't work and he doesn't have to," suggesting a comfortable retirement from the daily grind of television news. He has drastically changed his social circle, reconnecting with some old friends but mostly keeping out of the public spotlight. However, he has not been entirely invisible. In a rare public sighting in April 2024, Lauer attended the wedding of former CNN anchor Don Lemon in New York City, where he was photographed alongside former NBC colleagues Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie.

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His relationship with luxury public relations executive Shamin Abas has been a significant part of his post-NBC life. The pair have been dating since 2019 and are often seen together in the Hamptons, where Abas's business is also based. This partnership marks a new chapter following his 2019 divorce from his ex-wife, Annette Roque.

The Status of the Controversial New Zealand Estate

One of the most talked-about aspects of Lauer's wealth is his massive, 16,000-acre farm, known as Hunter Valley Station, located in Wanaka, New Zealand. The purchase of the property, valued at over NZ$13 million (approximately $9 million) at the time, was controversial even before his firing, as it required approval from the New Zealand government's Overseas Investment Office (OIO).

Following his firing, Lauer's ownership of the land was placed under review, as foreign buyers must meet a "good character" test. Despite the public scrutiny and the nature of his dismissal, the OIO ruled that Lauer would not lose the lease for the high-country station. He continues to own and visit the property, which is one of the largest lakefront estates in the country, maintaining a connection to his international assets.

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Family Life and Rumors of a Media Comeback

While his professional life has been on hold, Lauer’s focus has shifted to his family and his potential future endeavors, which have recently sparked speculation in media circles.

Co-Parenting with Annette Roque

Lauer and his ex-wife, Dutch model Annette Roque, finalized their divorce in 2019 after 21 years of marriage. Despite the bitterness and complexity of their split, the former couple has successfully prioritized co-parenting their three children: Jack, Romy, and Thijs. Sources confirm that Lauer maintains a "good relationship" with his kids, who are now young adults. They have been seen together at family events, including their daughter Romy’s high school graduation, demonstrating a commitment to their children’s well-being despite their personal history.

The Persistent Comeback Buzz in 2024

In 2024, rumors of a potential media comeback have intensified, eight years after his career implosion. While Lauer is financially secure and not required to work, insiders suggest he is exploring options for a return to professional life. The speculation centers on two main avenues:

• A Tell-All Memoir: There are persistent rumors that Lauer might be considering writing a memoir. A book detailing his side of the story, his time at NBC, and his life since the scandal would undoubtedly be a major media event, though it would also invite intense scrutiny and backlash.
• A Return to Media: Reports indicate Lauer is "eyeing" a return to media, possibly seeking a platform where he can use his journalistic skills. His recent public appearances, though few, are viewed by some as a subtle attempt to re-engage with his former world and test public reception.

The industry remains divided on whether a full-scale comeback is viable. Given the nature of his firing and the subsequent #MeToo movement, any return would be met with significant controversy. For now, Lauer continues to live his quiet, wealthy existence, occasionally dipping his toe into public life, leaving the media world to speculate on the next move of the disgraced former anchor.

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