Jenna Bush Hager is an American television host, journalist, author, producer, former teacher, and media personality known for her successful broadcasting career.
She is also widely known as the daughter of former U.S. President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush.
Keep reading to discover how Jenna Bush Hager turned early public attention into a career filled with journalism, storytelling, and meaningful work.
Who is Jenna Bush Hager?
Jenna Bush Hager is an American journalist, television presenter, author, and media personality.
She currently serves as a co-host of the fourth hour of NBC’s Today show, where she interviews celebrities, discusses current events, and shares personal stories with viewers.
She also created the popular Read with Jenna book club, which has helped many books become bestsellers and introduced new writers to a wider audience.
Before television became a full-time career, Jenna worked in education and spent time as a teacher’s aide.
She also completed humanitarian work with UNICEF in Latin America, where she learned about the challenges many children and families face.
Jenna has written several bestselling books for both adults and children. Some focus on family, while others encourage reading or share personal experiences.
In addition to television and writing, she works as a producer and publishing executive through Thousand Voices Media, a company that develops books and entertainment projects.
Although many people first recognized Jenna because of family connections, she has built a respected career through journalism, publishing, and television.
Her warm personality, honest conversations, and interest in books have made her one of the most familiar faces on American morning television.
Early Life of Jenna Bush Hager
Jenna Bush Hager was born on November 25, 1981, in Dallas, Texas, United States.
She is the daughter of former U.S. President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush, and the fraternal twin sister of Barbara Pierce Bush.
Jenna was named after her maternal grandmother, Jenna Hawkins Welch.
She spent the first years of childhood in Dallas before the family moved to Austin, Texas, in 1994 after George W. Bush became the Governor of Texas.
Growing up in one of the most well-known political families in the United States gave Jenna many unusual experiences from an early age.
She witnessed major political events, met world leaders, and adjusted to life in the public eye as national attention around the Bush family increased.
Even with a busy public life, family remained the center of her childhood.
Jenna and Barbara shared a close relationship and spent much of their time together.
While George and Laura Bush encouraged both daughters to value kindness, responsibility, and respect for others.
During childhood, Jenna enjoyed books, family activities, and trips with loved ones.
Those early interests stayed with her and later shaped both her work as an author and her career in television.
Jenna Bush Hager Age
Jenna Bush Hager is 44 years old as of 2026 because she was born on November 25, 1981, in Dallas, Texas.
Even after more than two decades in the public eye, she continues to expand television, publishing, and media projects.
Her career has grown steadily from education and humanitarian work to becoming one of the most recognized daytime television personalities in the United States.
Jenna Bush Hager Nationality and Ethnicity
Jenna Bush Hager is American by nationality. She was born and raised in the United States.
She is of White ethnicity with predominantly English and other European ancestry.
Jenna Bush Hager Education
Jenna Bush Hager completed early schooling in Dallas before continuing her studies in Austin, Texas, after the family relocated in 1994.
She attended several schools during childhood and later graduated from Austin High School in 2000.
After high school, Jenna enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin, where she majored in English and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2004.
She also attended summer classes at New York University during college.
Her English degree strengthened writing and communication skills from an early stage.
Those skills later supported successful careers in journalism, television, publishing, and book writing.
Jenna Bush Hager Professional Journey
Jenna Bush Hager began a professional career shortly after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in 2004.
Instead of entering politics, she chose a path focused on education, writing, journalism, and television.
Over the years, she has built a successful career through hard work and has earned recognition as a respected television personality and bestselling author.
Early Career in Education and Humanitarian Work (2004–2008)
After completing college in 2004, Jenna worked as a teacher’s aide at Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School in Washington, D.C.
She enjoyed helping young students and developed a strong interest in education.
During this period, she also accepted an internship with UNICEF’s Educational Policy Department in Latin America.
Her work took her to Panama and Paraguay, where she met children and families facing poverty and health challenges.
These experiences changed her perspective and inspired her to use writing as a way to share meaningful stories with a wider audience.
In 2007, Jenna published Ana’s Story: A Journey of Hope, a book inspired by the life of a young mother she met during her UNICEF work.
The book became a New York Times bestseller and received praise for raising awareness about HIV and children’s welfare.
She followed this success in 2008 with Read All About It!, a children’s book written with Laura Bush that encouraged young readers to develop a love for books.
Building a Television Career at NBC News (2009–2018)
A major turning point came in 2009 when NBC News hired Jenna as a correspondent and contributor for the Today show.
She covered education, lifestyle, and human-interest stories while gradually becoming a familiar face on morning television.
Her friendly personality and natural interview style helped her connect with viewers, and NBC expanded her role over the following years.
As her experience grew, Jenna regularly filled in as an anchor and interviewed actors, authors, athletes, and public figures.
In 2012, she also became editor-at-large for Southern Living magazine, where she contributed articles and interviews.
By the end of this period, she had established herself as a trusted television journalist and media personality.
Becoming a Leading Morning Show Host (2019–2021)
The biggest milestone in Jenna’s television career arrived in 2019.
In March, she launched Read with Jenna, a monthly book club on the Today show that quickly became one of the most successful book clubs in the United States.
Many selected books reached the New York Times bestseller list, and the program introduced millions of readers to new authors.
Just one month later, Jenna became the permanent co-host of the fourth hour of Today alongside Hoda Kotb after Kathie Lee Gifford left the program.
The show featured celebrity interviews, family discussions, lifestyle topics, and current events.
Jenna’s honest storytelling and warm personality helped the program attract a loyal audience.
During this period, she also interviewed several high-profile guests, including former First Lady Michelle Obama.
These conversations highlighted Jenna’s ability to create thoughtful and comfortable interviews that appealed to viewers across different backgrounds.
Expanding Into Publishing and Production (2022–Present)
Jenna continued to grow beyond television after 2022.
She signed a first-look production agreement with Universal Studio Group, allowing her to develop television and entertainment projects.
She also expanded Thousand Voices Media, a production company dedicated to creating meaningful stories through books and television.
The company later partnered with Random House Publishing Group to launch a publishing imprint that supports both established and emerging writers.
Jenna has continued to write children’s books and family-focused titles while promoting reading through Read with Jenna.
As of 2026, Jenna remains a co-host of Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, where she interviews celebrities, discusses current events, and shares stories from everyday life.
Her book club continues to influence the publishing industry, and many monthly selections become national bestsellers.
Career Achievements and Continued Success
Throughout more than two decades in the public eye, Jenna Bush Hager has successfully built careers in education, journalism, television, publishing, and media production.
She has written several bestselling books and inspired millions of readers through her popular book club.
Jenna has also interviewed world leaders, celebrities, and helped introduce new authors to a wider audience.
Her warm personality and honest conversations have made her a familiar face on American morning television. She continues to grow her career through broadcasting.
Jenna Bush Hager Books
Jenna Bush Hager has built an impressive career as an author.
Her books include memoirs, children’s stories, and titles inspired by family experiences and humanitarian work.
Several of them have appeared on the New York Times bestseller list.
Some of her best-known books include:
- Ana’s Story: A Journey of Hope (2007)
- Read All About It! (2008), written with Laura Bush
- Our Great Big Backyard (2016), written with Laura Bush
- Sisters First (2017), written with Barbara Pierce Bush
- Everything Beautiful in Its Time (2020)
- The Superpower Sisterhood (2022), written with Barbara Pierce Bush
- Love Comes First (2023)
- Additional children’s books published through later publishing projects
Beyond writing, Jenna has encouraged millions of people to read through the Read with Jenna book club.
The monthly recommendations have introduced many readers to new authors and have helped dozens of selected books become national bestsellers.
Is Jenna Bush Hager a Republican?
Jenna Bush Hager is not a registered Republican. She has identified herself as an Independent, despite coming from the Bush political family.
Rather than entering politics, she has focused on a career in television, journalism, and writing.
What is Going On with Jenna Bush Hager?
Jenna Bush Hager continues to enjoy a successful career as the co-host of NBC’s Today with Jenna & Sheinelle.
She remains active with her Read with Jenna book club, which continues to introduce bestselling books and new authors to readers across the country.
Jenna is also expanding her work through Thousand Voices Media, where she develops television and publishing projects.
Outside work, Jenna recently celebrated George W. Bush’s 80th birthday by sharing family photos and memories on social media.
She continues to balance her television career with family life alongside her husband and their three children.
Jenna Bush Hager Husband
Jenna Bush Hager is married to Henry Hager, an American businessman and investment executive.
The couple first met during George W. Bush’s 2004 presidential re-election campaign, where Henry worked as a campaign staff member.
Their friendship gradually turned into a relationship, and after several years of dating, they became engaged in 2007.
Jenna and Henry exchanged wedding vows on May 10, 2008, during a private ceremony at the Bush family ranch near Crawford, Texas, surrounded by close family and friends.
Henry was born on May 10, 1978, in Richmond, Virginia.
After graduating from Wake Forest University and earning an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, he built a career in business and investment management.
Although he occasionally joins Jenna at public events, he generally prefers to stay out of the spotlight.
Over the years, the couple has built a happy family life while supporting each other’s careers.
They are parents to three children: daughters Margaret Laura “Mila” Hager and Poppy Louise Hager, along with their son, Henry Harold “Hal” Hager.
On the Today show, Jenna frequently talks about everyday family life and parenting with humor and honesty.
Her stories highlight the strong partnership that she and Henry have built over the years.
What is the Age Difference Between Jenna Bush Hager and Her Husband?
Jenna Bush Hager and Henry Hager have an age difference of about 3 years. Jenna was born on November 25, 1981, while Henry was born on May 10, 1978.
Despite the small age gap, the couple has shared many important milestones together since meeting during George W. Bush’s 2004 presidential campaign.
They married in 2008 and have built a stable family life while supporting each other’s careers.
Jenna often shares humorous stories about married life on television, and Henry occasionally appears during special family moments.
Although he generally prefers to stay away from the public spotlight.
Jenna Bush Hager Children
Jenna Bush Hager and Henry Hager are proud parents of three children: Margaret Laura Mila Hager, Poppy Louise Hager, and Henry Harold Hal Hager.
Their first child, Mila, was born on April 13, 2013, followed by Poppy on August 13, 2015.
The couple welcomed their youngest child and only son, Hal, on August 2, 2019.
Jenna often says that becoming a mother has been one of the most meaningful parts of her life, and she enjoys sharing stories about parenting on the Today show.
Mila, the eldest child, is known for her thoughtful personality and growing independence.
Jenna has occasionally shared funny moments about Mila’s curiosity, love for books, and willingness to express her opinions.
Poppy, the middle child, is often described as energetic, cheerful, and full of humor. Jenna has mentioned that Poppy enjoys making the family laugh with her playful nature.
Hal, the youngest, frequently appears in Jenna’s stories because of his adventurous personality and adorable reactions to everyday situations.
Although Jenna occasionally shares family photos and lighthearted stories on social media and television, she and Henry also work to protect their children’s privacy.
Family traditions, outdoor adventures, and quality time together remain a regular part of home life.
They aim to give their children a normal and supportive childhood despite public attention.
Jenna Bush Hager Son Illness
Jenna Bush Hager’s son, Henry Harold Hal Hager, does not have a serious or life-threatening illness.
In recent years, misleading social media posts and clickbait headlines have falsely claimed that Hal was battling a rare disease.
However, these claims are not supported by any credible source and often redirect readers to unrelated stories.
During the Today show, Jenna has shared several lighthearted parenting moments involving Hal.
These include his first days at school, moving into a “big boy” bed, and joking that he was “allergic” to her kisses.
She has also spoken about the emotional ups and downs of raising young children, but she has never announced that Hal has a serious medical condition.
As of 2026, Hal is healthy and continues to enjoy a normal childhood with his parents and two older sisters.
Jenna Bush Hager Net Worth
Jenna Bush Hager has an estimated net worth of $14 million as of 2026. She earns money from several successful careers.
Her primary source of income comes from serving as a co-host of NBC’s Today show, where she has worked since 2009.
She also receives earnings from book sales and royalties as the author of several bestselling books for adults and children.
Beyond television and book sales, Jenna earns income through her Read with Jenna book club, Thousand Voices Media, and publishing ventures.
She receives additional earnings from speaking engagements, media projects, and select brand partnerships.
These multiple income streams have helped her build a stable and successful career in television, publishing, and media.
Jenna Bush Hager Height and Weight
Jenna Bush Hager stands approximately 5 feet 8 inches, which is equal to 173 centimeters or 1.73 meters tall, and weighs around 63 kilograms, which is equal to 139 pounds.
She has a balanced physique that suits her active lifestyle and busy television career.
Jenna has blonde hair and blue eyes, features that have become familiar to millions of viewers through daily appearances on NBC.
Her professional style often combines classic fashion with comfortable clothing that fits the relaxed atmosphere of morning television.
She frequently wears elegant dresses, tailored suits, and casual outfits that match different studio segments and public events.
Her appearance has changed naturally over the years, yet she continues to present an approachable image that connects well with audiences.
Social Media Presence
Jenna Bush Hager maintains an active presence on social media, where she connects with television viewers, readers, and book lovers.
She is active on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter), sharing updates about both her professional and personal life.
Her posts often feature behind-the-scenes moments from the Today show, family celebrations, book recommendations, and special events.
Conclusion
We have now reached the final part of Jenna Bush Hager’s biography.
Her journey shows that determination, kindness, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities can lead to lasting success.
From working as a teacher and supporting humanitarian causes to becoming a bestselling author and a familiar face on national television, she has built a career through dedication and hard work.
Her story reminds us that personal growth comes from learning, adapting, and staying true to our values.
Thanks for reading this biography, and if you enjoyed learning about Jenna Bush Hager, feel free to share your thoughts and join the conversation below.
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