The Five Shocking Things Matt Lauer Is Doing Now: Media Comeback, Tell-All Memoir, And His Life In The Hamptons

Eight years after his dramatic firing from NBC's Today show, the life of former anchor Matt Lauer remains a subject of intense public curiosity and speculation. As of late 2025, Lauer is living a profoundly private, yet financially secure, existence, largely centered around his opulent properties, but recent reports suggest the former television powerhouse may be plotting a surprising return to the media landscape—not just on TV, but through an explosive, tell-all memoir.

The disgraced journalist, who was once one of the highest-paid figures in morning television, has spent the better part of a decade out of the public eye. However, sources close to him indicate that the quiet life of leisure may be coming to an end as Lauer, now 67, is reportedly "reconnecting with friends" and actively exploring options for a major professional comeback that could shake up the industry all over again.

Biography and Profile: Matt Lauer

• Full Name: Matthew Todd Lauer
• Date of Birth: December 30, 1957
• Age (as of late 2025): 67
• Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
• Alma Mater: Ohio University (School of Telecommunications)
• Primary Career: Television News Personality, Journalist
• Known For: Co-anchor of NBC’s Today (1997–2017)
• Key Career Milestones: Co-hosted Today for 20 years; Covered multiple Olympic Games, presidential elections, and the September 11 attacks.
• Marriages: Nancy Alspaugh (m. 1981–1988), Annette Roque (m. 1998–2019)
• Children: Jack Lauer, Romy Lauer, Thijs Lauer
• Current Partner: Shamin Abas (Luxury Public Relations Executive)
• Net Worth: Estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars.

1. The Quiet Life in the Hamptons with Shamin Abas

Since his departure from the Today show in November 2017, Matt Lauer’s primary residence and retreat has been his sprawling estate in the Hamptons, New York. This life of seclusion is a stark contrast to his previous high-profile career, yet sources indicate he is "doing well and happy" in this new, private chapter.

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The most significant change in his personal life has been his long-term relationship with luxury public relations executive, Shamin Abas. The couple, who have been dating since 2019, are often seen together in the affluent Long Island community. Abas, who runs a high-end PR firm catering to ultra-luxury brands, has been described as a supportive and encouraging partner.

Lauer’s existence is one of extreme financial comfort. Insiders have confirmed that the former NBC star "doesn't work and he doesn't have to," suggesting his lucrative contracts and substantial net worth have afforded him a permanent retirement from the daily grind. His life now revolves around reconnecting with friends, enjoying his wealth, and maintaining a low-key profile, far from the cameras and media scrutiny that once defined his world.

2. The Persistent Rumors of a Media Comeback

Despite his private lifestyle, the allure of the spotlight seems to be a difficult habit to break. As of late 2025, reports are surging that Matt Lauer is actively "eyeing a return to media" and "networking with former colleagues" to plot a professional comeback.

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While a full-time return to a major network like NBC or an equivalent television role seems unlikely given the circumstances of his firing, Lauer is reportedly exploring other avenues within the "media arena." The former journalist, who covered major events from presidential elections to the Olympic Games, is said to miss the intellectual engagement of his former profession. However, he is reportedly reluctant to embrace the modern digital media landscape, with a source noting he is "not scrappy" and prefers to avoid engaging with social media.

His publicist girlfriend, Shamin Abas, is reportedly a key figure in this potential return, "encouraging him to keep trying" and explore new opportunities. Any comeback, however, would likely be a calculated and low-profile move, potentially involving a specialized interview series, a podcast, or a role behind the scenes that leverages his decades of industry experience without exposing him to the intense public scrutiny of a live news desk.

3. The Explosive "Tell-All" Memoir Rumors

Perhaps the most sensational and highly anticipated rumor surrounding Matt Lauer's current activities is the talk of an "explosive tell-all memoir." Sources suggest Lauer is meeting with publishers to discuss a book that would not only share his side of the story but also "name names" and "call people out" from his time at NBC.

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The alleged memoir is being framed as a revenge narrative, with Lauer reportedly vowing to expose what he claims "really happened behind the scenes" at the Today show. Former colleagues such as Katie Couric and Hoda Kotb are rumored to be targets of the book, which Lauer may view as his final opportunity to reclaim his narrative and settle old scores.

If such a book were to materialize, it would undoubtedly become a publishing sensation, reigniting the scandal and providing a controversial new perspective on the workings of network television. The idea of Lauer having "nothing to lose" makes the prospect of an unfiltered, vicious memoir a compelling—and potentially terrifying—one for his former peers.

4. The Status of His $9.2 Million New Zealand Super-Farm

Beyond the Hamptons, Lauer’s other major asset is his massive 16,000-acre leasehold property in New Zealand, known as Hunter Valley Station. This stunning, remote farm near Queenstown has been a source of both pride and controversy for Lauer since his purchase.

Following his firing from NBC, the New Zealand Overseas Investment Office (OIO) reviewed the lease. The original consent for Lauer's company, Orange Lakes Ltd, to purchase the lease was conditional on him remaining a "fit and proper person" to own the iconic New Zealand land. This review sparked fears that Lauer could lose the $9.2 million property.

While the status of the lease has been under intense scrutiny, recent reports suggest that Lauer will not lose the farm and still visits the property. The property has also been the site of a minor local dispute, with Lauer battling New Zealand hikers over a public right-of-way easement across the land, further cementing his quiet but persistent presence in the remote region.

5. His Relationship with His Ex-Wife and Children

Matt Lauer officially finalized his divorce from his ex-wife, Annette Roque, in 2019, two years after his firing. The couple, who were married for 21 years, share three children: Jack, Romy, and Thijs. Following the divorce, Roque reportedly received a significant settlement, including the couple's $20 million horse farm in Water Mill, New York.

Despite the public nature of their split, Lauer has reportedly maintained a close relationship with his children. He is often photographed with his son, Jack Lauer, and his other children, suggesting he remains an active and present father in their lives. This focus on family and private life has been a cornerstone of his existence since leaving the public spotlight, serving as a stabilizing force amid the ongoing media speculation.

In summary, Matt Lauer's life in 2025 is a complex mix of quiet, wealthy retirement and the restless ambition of a media figure who can't quite let go of the limelight. His current activities, from his relationship with Shamin Abas to the controversial Hunter Valley Station, are all overshadowed by the looming possibility of a media comeback, whether through a new TV project or a devastating, score-settling memoir that promises to reveal all the secrets he has kept for years.