How did Don Lemon spend his first New Year’s Eve away from CNN? Ex-anchor was in Miami

Who needs to be working, entertaining millions on New Year’s Eve?

Certainly not Don Lemon, who traditionally used to co-host the countdown live for his former employer, CNN. He often appeared delightfully tipsy on the air, one year, even piercing his ear in front of cameras.

But that was then and this is now: Lemon was fired in April 2023, two months after making inappropriate comments about Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley age and not being “in her prime.”

Despite ticking off a number of viewers (and colleagues), it seems Lemon is still missed by a few folks this time of year.

The TV journalist’s drunken antics were not only great ratings for the cable network, but unforgettable for those sitting on the couch at home.

Among many of the top moments on his highlight reel happened on NYE 2022. That’s when the Louisiana native helped anchor an alcohol-fueled segment in New Orleans with fellow CNN reporter Alisyn Camerota and comedian Dulce Sloan. He announced he was running for president (a joke) and ended up jumping out of a giant lemon cake at midnight.

This year was wayyy more quiet. To ring in 2024, the 57-year-old was in Miami with his partner Tim Malone duly chillaxing.

On Sunday, Lemon was pictured by paps on the beach doing what comes naturally when on vacation in a sunny climate — taking a dip, strolling on the sand and reading on a lounge chair.

The fallen TV personality also posted a shot of the two men on a boat with the Magic City skyline in the background, wishing his 700,000 plus followers a happy 2024.

Among the commenters were a number of people who longed to watch the bon vivant on their TVs.

“CNN is not the same without you, especially tonight,” wrote one social media user. “But you look so darn happy in these recent posts that I can only be happy for you. I hope to see you next year on a deserving network.”