Matt Lauer Update: Former 'Today' Anchor's New Girlfriend 'Thrilled' To Be Dating Him

Former "Today" host Matt Lauer is seemingly taking steps to turn things around following his 2017 firing from NBC's "Today" and other difficulties in his personal life.

According to Radar Online, the one-time host and his new girlfriend, Shamin Abas, vacationed together in New Zealand on a "secret holiday getaway." Per the outlet, the couple departed together on Dec. 19 from a New Jersey airport. Eventually, the two reportedly arrived at his $9 million lakefront New Zealand farm, Hunter Valley Station. While at the location, both Lauer and Abas spent their time riding bikes and sightseeing.

As reported by In Touch Weekly, Lauer and Abas have known each other for at least 15 years and were romantically linked for the first time in 2005. "She knows who he is," a source told the publication, adding, "She's thrilled she's with him. She doesn't have a care in the world." This follows his divorce from Annette Roque, which reportedly resulted in Lauer agreeing to pay her $20 million in assets.

READ: Matt Lauer Update: Former 'Today' Host Reveals NBC Anchor's Actions Affected Her Career

This new relationship comes after the chain of tumultuous events for the TV personality. In 2019, he faced a rape allegation from Brooke Nevils, which was reported in Ronan Farrow's best-selling book, “Catch and Killer: Lies, Spies and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators." At that time, it was said that NBC was "bracing for bombshells" due to the content of the work.

Following the accusation, he not only responded in an open letter, but he also resurfaced on social media and in a subsequent interview where he discussed his "numerous serious mistakes."

In addition to the aforementioned difficulties, it has also been said that he is "paralyzed with fear" regarding Katie Couric's upcoming tell-all, "Unexpected," which is due in 2021. He also received harsh criticism due to a specific decision he in November.