Jenna Bush Hager Opens Up About Tensions with George W. Bush
Jenna Bush Hager recently shared some insights into the challenges she faced with her father, former President George W. Bush, during her younger years.
“There was a time when I had bad grades,” the television host revealed on Friday’s episode of “Jenna and Friends Today.” When co-host Shanell Jones expressed skepticism, Hager reiterated her point, humorously emphasizing her struggles in school.
Jones then inquired about how George and Laura Bush dealt with those academic challenges.
Hager recounted, “My dad would sit with me at the kitchen table to help with math, and there were moments of conflict that had me in tears.” She laughed as she shared this memory, reflecting on how relatable such family dynamics can be.
Although she didn’t specify exactly when these kitchen table disagreements occurred, she mentioned that she and her twin sister, Barbara, were 19 in 2001, during their father’s first presidential term.
Jones found Hager’s story “interesting,” noting that many families likely experience similar nightly struggles at their kitchen tables.
Hager married Henry in 2008, and since then, they have welcomed three children: Mira, 12, Poppy, 10, and Hal, 6.
Despite their past tensions, Hager stated that her relationship with her 79-year-old father is strong. In September 2024, she tearfully spoke about the emotional moment when she learned that he would be leaving his role on NBC.
“I don’t know if I should admit this, but I think it’s essential to share that I called my dad because I was so worried,” Kotb recalled, referencing Hager’s feelings as she began co-hosting in 2019.
Hager reflected on how happy her father was for her, while joking about how his colleague Kotb was a big name in television. She mentioned, “I called him last night, and he initially thought something terrible had happened because of how emotional I was.” However, she also shared how comforting and encouraging he was, stating, “He said, ‘Oh, she’s gone. It’s your turn. You’ll be fine.’
