reporter: back now to the death of former secretary of state henry kissinger at the age of 100. msnbc nightly news anchor lester holt reports on the life and legacy of the controversial figure who played a major role in american diplomacy for decades. thank you. nice to see you all. reporter: he was brilliant, ambitious, controversial, and one of the most influential secretaries of state in american history. i think we made for the progress. reporter: henry kissinger served richard nixon, gerald ford, and was consulted by presidents of both parties on international issues throughout his life. henry kissinger has been a friend of mine. reporter: nixon made him a national figure, and together, they reimagined u.s. foreign policy. détente with the soviet union, relations with china, shuttle diplomacy in the middle east. kissinger helped to shape nixon s policy in vietnam and negotiated in the end to the war. famously declaring success prematurely just days before