Jenna Bush Hager: From First Daughter to Beloved TV Host
Jenna Bush Hager is a prominent American news personality, author, and journalist, widely recognized as a co-host of NBC’s “Today with Hoda & Jenna” (and now “Today with Jenna & Friends”).
Early Life and Education:
Born in Dallas, Texas, Jenna Welch Bush Hager is the daughter of the 43rd U.S. President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush.
She and her fraternal twin sister, Barbara, grew up in Texas. She attended St. Andrew’s Episcopal School and Austin High School, graduating in 2000. She later earned a degree in English from the University of Texas at Austin in 2004.
Career Before “Today Show”:
Prior to her television career, Bush Hager worked as a teacher’s aide at Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School in Washington, D.C.
She also interned with UNICEF’s Educational Policy Department in Latin America, where she worked at a shelter and visited drought-stricken Paraguay.
Her experiences there inspired her first book, Ana’s Story: A Journey of Hope (2007), which tells the story of a young HIV-positive girl she met.
She also co-authored children’s books with her mother, including Read All About It! (2008). In 2012, she was named editor-at-large for Southern Living magazine.
Joining the “Today Show”:
Jenna Bush Hager joined NBC News in August 2009 as a correspondent and contributor for “The Today Show.”
Over the years, her role expanded, and she frequently served as a substitute co-anchor for various hours of the show.
In February 2019, it was announced that she would replace Kathie Lee Gifford as co-host of the fourth hour of “Today” alongside Hoda Kotb.
The segment, renamed “Today with Hoda & Jenna,” premiered on April 8, 2019. Recently, with Hoda Kotb’s departure from the fourth hour, the segment is now known as “Today with Jenna & Friends.”
Humanitarian Work:
Bush Hager has a strong commitment to humanitarian efforts. She is the chair of UNICEF’s Next Generation, an initiative focused on reducing preventable childhood deaths globally.
Her work with UNICEF has taken her to various countries, addressing issues of health, education, and inequality. She is dedicated to serving communities both locally and internationally.
Author
Jenna is also a successful author, having written several books, including:
- Ana’s Story: A Journey of Hope (2007)
- Sisters First: Stories from Our Wildly Different, Devotedly Close Lives (co-authored with Barbara Bush, 2019)
- Read All About It! (2021)
- Our Great Big Backyard (2022)
Philanthropy
Jenna is actively involved in various philanthropic endeavors. She is a UNICEF Next Generation Leader and has traveled extensively to support the organization’s work in areas such as maternal and child health.
Age:
Jenna Bush Hager was born on November 25, 1981, in Dallas, Texas, making her 42 years old as of 2025.
Her zodiac sign is Sagittarius. Jenna is of White/Caucasian ethnicity and holds American nationality.
Parents and Siblings:
Jenna is the daughter of George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, and Laura Bush, former First Lady.
She has one sibling, her fraternal twin sister, Barbara Pierce Bush, who is involved in global health advocacy and co-founded the nonprofit organization Global Health Corps.
Husband:
Jenna Bush Hager is married to Henry Chase Hager, a former political aide who transitioned into the energy sector.
The couple wed on May 10, 2008, in a private ceremony at the Bush family ranch in Crawford, Texas.
Henry is known for his grounded nature and love for the outdoors—qualities Jenna often praises.
Together, they have three children: Mila, Poppy, and Hal. Mila, born in 2013, is bright and witty. Poppy, born in 2015, brings theatrical flair and high energy to the family dynamic.
Hal, the youngest, arrived in 2019 and is often described as sensitive and deeply affectionate.
Jenna frequently shares heartwarming and humorous moments from family life on the Today show, showcasing the vibrant, close-knit nature of their home.
Height:
Jenna Bush Hager stands at a height of 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm). She weighs approximately 66 kg (145.5 lbs). Her body measurements are 34-26-35 inches (bust-waist-hip).
Career and Background:
Jenna started her career as a teacher and has worked as a reading coordinator in schools in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.
She joined NBC News in 2009 as a correspondent and contributor for Today, where she reported on various human interest stories and issues close to her heart, including education, health, and social justice.
Jenna became the co-host of Today with Hoda & Jenna in 2019, and her segments often focus on parenting, lifestyle, and personal growth.
Career Highlights
- Teaching: After college, Jenna briefly pursued a career in education, teaching at an elementary school in Baltimore, Maryland.
- Author: She has written several books, including the New York Times bestseller “Ana’s Story: A Journey of Hope,” which chronicles the life of a young woman living with HIV.
- Journalism: Jenna began her career in journalism as a correspondent for NBC News, contributing to various programs like “Today,” “Dateline NBC,” and “Rock Center with Brian Williams.”
- Co-host of Today: In 2019, she joined Hoda Kotb as the co-host of the fourth hour of the Today show. The duo’s chemistry and engaging segments have made the show a popular choice for viewers.
While Jenna Bush Hager is primarily known for her role as a co-host on the Today Show and her work as an author, she has also contributed to NBC News as a correspondent. Her reporting has often focused on human interest stories and social issues.
Here are some examples of her notable reports:
- UNICEF Work: Her experiences working with UNICEF in Latin America inspired her to write the book “Ana’s Story: A Journey of Hope,” which highlighted the challenges faced by children living with HIV/AIDS.
- Hurricane Katrina Coverage: She covered the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, reporting on the devastation and the ongoing relief efforts.
- Adoption Stories: Hager has featured heartwarming stories of families adopting children, highlighting the joys and challenges of the adoption process.
- Interviews with Influential Figures: She has interviewed a range of notable figures, including authors, actors, and politicians.
It’s important to note that her primary role at NBC News has been as a correspondent, and her work on the Today Show has taken center stage in recent years.
However, her past reporting experiences have contributed to her well-rounded career and her ability to connect with viewers on a personal level.
Jenna Bush Hager has forged strong bonds with several colleagues at NBC, particularly during her time as co-host of the fourth hour of the Today Show.
- Hoda Kotb: Jenna and Hoda have formed a close friendship over the years, and their on-screen chemistry is evident. They often share personal stories, engage in lighthearted banter, and support each other both professionally and personally.
- Al Roker: As a seasoned veteran of the Today Show, Al Roker has been a mentor and friend to Jenna. They often collaborate on segments and share humorous anecdotes.
- Savannah Guthrie: Savannah is another key member of the Today Show family, and she and Jenna have a warm and supportive relationship. They often discuss parenting tips and share personal stories.
- Craig Melvin: Craig is a respected journalist and a valued colleague of Jenna’s. They have collaborated on various segments and have a professional and friendly working relationship.
These are just a few of the many talented individuals Jenna has worked with at NBC. Her ability to build strong relationships and connect with people has contributed to her success and popularity.
Net Worth and Salary:
As of 2025, Jenna Bush Hager’s net worth is estimated at $14 million, reflecting her multifaceted career in media, publishing, and authorship.
Her annual salary from NBC is reportedly $4 million, a figure that rose significantly when she became co-host of the Today show’s fourth hour in 2019.
Her earnings aren’t just from broadcasting—Jenna has authored several books, launched her own publishing imprint (Thousand Voices Books), and continues to grow her influence through the Read With Jenna brand. It’s a portfolio that blends steady media income with long-term literary investments.
Why is Jenna not wearing her wedding ring?
Jenna Bush Hager’s occasional absence of her wedding ring has sparked curiosity among fans.
While there’s no official explanation, it’s not uncommon for individuals, especially public figures, to remove their rings for various reasons, such as comfort, personal preference, or simply forgetting to wear it.
It’s important to note that the absence of a ring doesn’t necessarily signify any marital issues.
What does Jenna Bush’s twin sister do for a living?
Jenna Bush Hager’s twin sister, Barbara Pierce Bush, is a successful businesswoman and philanthropist.
She is the co-founder of Global Health Corps, a non-profit organization that recruits young leaders to work on global health issues.
What happened to Jenna and Hoda?
There have been no significant public events or controversies that have impacted the relationship between Jenna Bush Hager and Hoda Kotb.
They continue to co-host the fourth hour of the Today Show, and their on-screen chemistry remains strong. Any rumors or speculations about their relationship are often unfounded.
How much does Jenna Bush Hager weigh?
Is Jenna Bush Hager Married?
Yes, Jenna Bush Hager is married to Henry Chase Hager, whom she met during her father’s 2004 presidential campaign. They married on May 10, 2008.
They have three children: daughters Margaret Laura “Mila” Hager (born 2013) and Poppy Louise Hager (born 2015), and son Henry Harold “Hal” Hager (born 2019). Her children’s names honor various family members.
How many children does Jenna Bush have?
Jenna Bush Hager and her husband, Henry Hager, have three children:
- Margaret Laura “Mila” Hager
- Poppy Louise Hager
- Henry Harold “Hal” Hager
How Old Is Jenna Bush Hager?
Jenna Bush Hager was born on November 25, 1981, which makes her 42 years old as of 2025.
Where Is Jenna Bush Hager Working?
Jenna Bush Hager is currently thriving in multiple roles:
- Co-host on NBC’s Today: She co-anchors the fourth hour of the Today show, now branded as Today with Jenna & Friends. She’s been a familiar face on the show since 2019, known for her warmth, humor, and book-loving spirit.
- Founder of Thousand Voices Books: In a major career expansion, Jenna launched her own publishing imprint under Random House called Thousand Voices Books. The imprint focuses on diverse voices and genres, including romance, suspense, literary fiction, and memoirs. She described it as “a natural extension of my passion for books and reading”.
- Creator of the Read With Jenna Book Club: This popular book club, launched nearly six years ago, continues to spotlight emerging and established authors. It recently expanded into a full-fledged literary event—the Read With Jenna Book Festival—featuring author panels, writing workshops, and live performances.
Jenna Bush Hager is active on social media, particularly on Instagram and TikTok. She frequently shares posts about her family, work, and personal interests. You can follow her on:
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.