Jenna Bush Hager Reflects on Her Middle School Experience

On an episode of Today with Jenna and friends, Jenna Bush Hager shared a personal story from middle school that she found quite “outrageous.” During a conversation with Savannah Guthrie, the topic shifted to the trendy “diaper shorts,” and Jenna brought up her own “rules” regarding wearing shorts, which relate to the birthmark she has on her thigh.

She opened up about a painful memory, mentioning how a boy she dated in seventh grade ended their relationship after seeing her in a swimsuit. “I have that birthmark you noticed,” she explained to Guthrie, adding, “It was tough because he actually broke up with me over it.”

Guthrie found the story shocking and characterized it as “outrageous.” Jenna confessed that it still affects her and has even given her a bit of emotional baggage—something along the lines of “a lot of PTSD.”

Curious to connect with her audience, Guthrie asked if Jenna wanted to share her birthmark with everyone. Jenna responded playfully, “Do you want to see it? This actually just brought back memories!”

They both chuckled as Jenna sat back down, remarking, “It’s amazing. I didn’t think I would, but I’m kind of reveling in this!”

Earlier in her TV career, she has talked about how middle school can be brutal—I mean, it’s one of those stages where people target your vulnerabilities. “It’s funny how people often hit you where it really hurts,” she recalled during a chat with Hoda Kotb.

Jenna also mentioned her experiences as a mother, expressing some mixed feelings about her own body after having three kids, all via C-section. “Even on days when I feel great, there are times I just don’t,” she reflected. But she also acknowledged the beauty in her journey and confidently stated, “I really think it’s beautiful to share moments like this.”

Today with Jenna and friends airs on NBC on weekdays starting October 9th.