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Jenna Bush Hager: Net Worth, Husband, Children, Education, Age, Height, Parents & More

Who Is Jenna Bush Hager? A Complete Biography

By Enoch SaginiPublished about a month ago • 13 min read
Jenna Bush Hager

Jenna Bush Hager is an American journalist, author, television personality, and former first daughter best known for her work on NBC's Today.

The daughter of former U.S. President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush, Jenna grew up in the public eye alongside her fraternal twin sister, Barbara Bush. She later built a career in education, publishing, and television, eventually becoming a co-host of the fourth hour of Today.

In 2025, after Hoda Kotb departed from the program, the fourth hour evolved into Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, with Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones as co-hosts.

Beyond television, Bush Hager is an author, book-club host, and producer. Her family life also attracts considerable interest because she is a granddaughter of former President George H.W. Bush and a member of one of America's best-known political families.

Quick Facts About Jenna Bush Hager

●      Full name: Jenna Welch Bush Hager

●      Birth name: Jenna Welch Bush

●      Born: November 25, 1981

●      Birthplace: Dallas, Texas, U.S.

●      Nationality: American

●      Parents: George W. Bush and Laura Bush

●      Sibling: Barbara Bush

●      Education: University of Texas at Austin

●      Degree: Bachelor of Arts in English

●      Husband: Henry Hager

●      Married: May 10, 2008

●      Children: Mila, Poppy, and Hal

●      Occupation: Journalist, author, television personality, producer

●      Known for: Today, Read with Jenna

●      Height: About 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m), according to IMDb

●      Estimated net worth: About $14 million combined with husband Henry Hager, according to Celebrity Net Worth

●      Current TV role: Co-host of Today with Jenna & Sheinelle

How Old Is Jenna Bush Hager?

Jenna Bush Hager was born on November 25, 1981, in Dallas, Texas.

Jenna is the younger of the Bush twins. Her sister, Barbara Pierce Bush, was born a few minutes before her.

She grew up in Texas before moving to Washington, D.C., when her father became president in 2001.

What Is Jenna Bush Hager's Real Name?

Jenna Bush Hager's birth name is Jenna Welch Bush.

After marrying Henry Hager, she became publicly known as Jenna Bush Hager. Her middle name, Welch, honors her maternal grandmother, Jenna Hawkins Welch.

She is also sometimes referred to simply as Jenna Bush.

Who Are Jenna Bush Hager's Parents?

Jenna Bush Hager's parents are:

●      George W. Bush

●      Laura Bush

Her father served as the 43rd president of the United States from 2001 to 2009.

Her mother, Laura Bush, served as first lady during those eight years.

Jenna and her twin sister Barbara were born into a family that already had a major political legacy. Their paternal grandfather was George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States.

That makes Jenna the granddaughter of one U.S. president and daughter of another.

Who Is Jenna Bush Hager's Father?

George W. Bush is Jenna Bush Hager's father.

He served as president from 2001 through 2009 after previously serving as governor of Texas.

Jenna was 19 when her father became president, meaning much of her early adulthood unfolded under intense media attention.

She and Barbara Bush subsequently became known internationally as the president's twin daughters.

Jenna later reflected on the advantages that came with being part of such a prominent family. In 2026, she openly acknowledged that her family connections likely helped open doors early in her television career, while also describing the pressure she felt to prove herself professionally.

Who Is Jenna Bush Hager's Mother?

Her mother is Laura Bush, the former first lady of the United States.

Laura Bush was a teacher and librarian before becoming first lady of Texas and later first lady of the United States.

Jenna has maintained a close relationship with her mother throughout adulthood.

The two have also collaborated professionally. They co-authored the children's book Read All About It!, which was published in 2008.

Laura and Jenna have also worked together on other literary projects, including Our Great Big Backyard.

In August 2026, Jenna shared family vacation photographs showing herself with Laura Bush, Barbara Bush and her daughters at the Bush family estate in Kennebunkport, Maine.

Does Jenna Bush Hager Have a Twin Sister?

Yes.

Jenna's twin sister is Barbara Pierce Bush.

Barbara is also an author and philanthropist and co-founded the Global Health Corps, an organization focused on strengthening health systems.

Jenna and Barbara have collaborated professionally as well, including their 2017 book Sisters First: Stories from Our Wild and Wonderful Life.

The sisters remain close, and their families continue to spend time together.

In August 2026, Barbara and Jenna vacationed with their children and their mother at the Bush family's Maine estate.

Where Did Jenna Bush Hager Go to School?

Jenna Bush Hager attended schools in Texas before enrolling at the University of Texas at Austin.

She graduated from the university in 2004 with a bachelor's degree in English.

Her education later influenced her career in education, writing and children's literacy.

After college, she worked as a teacher's aide and became involved with education-focused organizations.

What Did Jenna Bush Hager Study?

Jenna Bush Hager studied English at the University of Texas at Austin.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 2004.

Her degree is particularly relevant to her later career as an author and host of the Read with Jenna book club.

Did Jenna Bush Hager Work as a Teacher?

Yes.

Before becoming a television personality, Bush Hager worked in education.

In 2006, she became a teacher's aide at the Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School in Washington, D.C.

She also completed an internship with UNICEF, working with education-related programs in Latin America.

Her experiences there inspired her first book, Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope, published in 2007. The book tells the story of a young woman living with HIV in Latin America.

How Did Jenna Bush Hager Start Her Television Career?

Jenna Bush Hager joined NBC's Today as a contributing correspondent in 2009.

Her work initially focused heavily on education and human-interest stories.

She gradually became a more prominent presence on the program, appearing in interviews and lifestyle segments.

Her path eventually led to the fourth hour of Today, where she became a co-host.

When Did Jenna Bush Hager Join Today?

Bush Hager began working as a contributor and correspondent for Today in 2009.

A decade later, NBC announced that she would replace Kathie Lee Gifford as Hoda Kotb's co-host of the fourth hour.

She officially joined Kotb on the fourth hour in April 2019.

The program was subsequently known as Today with Hoda & Jenna.

After Kotb left Today in January 2025, Jenna remained with the program and eventually began co-hosting the fourth hour with Sheinelle Jones.

What Is Jenna Bush Hager Doing Now?

Jenna Bush Hager is a co-host of Today with Jenna & Sheinelle alongside Sheinelle Jones.

She also continues her work as an author and book advocate.

Her long-running Read with Jenna book club has become one of her best-known projects.

In addition, Bush Hager has expanded into television production. In 2026, she was announced as an executive producer of NBC's upcoming drama The Line of Fire, which is scheduled to premiere in September 2026.

What Is Read with Jenna?

Read with Jenna is Jenna Bush Hager's book club launched through Today in March 2019.

The club recommends books across different genres and has become an important part of her television identity.

Bush Hager's background in English and her interest in literacy naturally fit the project.

The book club has also helped introduce authors and novels to a large television audience.

Who Is Jenna Bush Hager's Husband?

Jenna Bush Hager's husband is Henry Chase Hager.

The couple met in 2004, while Henry was working on George W. Bush's presidential campaign.

They became engaged in 2007 and married the following year.

Henry Hager has worked in business and previously worked in politics.

His father is John H. Hager, a former lieutenant governor of Virginia and former Republican National Committee official.

When Did Jenna Bush Hager Get Married?

Jenna Bush Hager married Henry Hager on May 10, 2008.

The wedding took place at the Bush family's Prairie Chapel Ranch near Crawford, Texas.

The ceremony was attended by family members and close friends.

Jenna's twin sister Barbara served as her maid of honor.

The couple celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary in May 2026.

How Did Jenna Bush Hager Meet Henry Hager?

Jenna and Henry met while working around George W. Bush's 2004 presidential campaign.

Henry was involved with the campaign, and the two began dating.

They became engaged in 2007.

Henry proposed during a trip to Cadillac Mountain in Maine, according to accounts of their relationship.

They married approximately nine months later.

How Many Children Does Jenna Bush Hager Have?

Jenna Bush Hager and Henry Hager have three children:

●      Margaret Laura "Mila" Hager

●      Poppy Louise Hager

●      Henry Harold "Hal" Hager

The couple has two daughters and one son.

Who Is Jenna Bush Hager's Daughter Mila?

Margaret Laura "Mila" Hager is Jenna and Henry's oldest child.

She was born in April 2013.

She has occasionally appeared in stories and conversations involving her mother, although Jenna has increasingly emphasized respecting her children's privacy as they get older.

Who Is Jenna Bush Hager's Daughter Poppy?

Poppy Louise Hager is Jenna's second child.

She was born in August 2015 and turned 11 in August 2026.

Poppy's full name is Poppy Louise Hager.

Jenna has said that Poppy's name was partly inspired by her great-grandfather, former President George H.W. Bush, whose nickname was "Poppy."

In August 2026, Jenna revealed that her longtime friend and former Today co-host Hoda Kotb is Poppy's godmother.

Who Is Jenna Bush Hager's Son Hal?

Jenna's youngest child is Henry Harold "Hal" Hager.

He was born in August 2019.

His full name is Henry Harold Hager, although his family calls him Hal.

Jenna has frequently spoken affectionately about her son and his personality on Today.

How Tall Is Jenna Bush Hager?

Jenna Bush Hager is commonly listed at 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 metres).

What Is Jenna Bush Hager's Net Worth?

Celebrity Net Worth estimates her combined net worth with husband Henry Hager at approximately $14 million. Parade also reported the $14 million combined estimate in 2026.

That distinction matters.

It would be inaccurate to present $14 million as definitively Jenna's personal fortune because the estimate includes her husband.

Her income has come from several areas, including:

●      NBC television work

●      Book publishing

●      Television production

●      Speaking and appearances

●      Her Read with Jenna work

●      Other media projects

What Books Has Jenna Bush Hager Written?

Bush Hager has authored and co-authored several books.

Her publications include:

Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope

Published in 2007, this book was inspired by her work with UNICEF-supported programs in Latin America.

Read All About It!

Jenna co-wrote this children's book with her mother, Laura Bush. It was published in 2008 and encourages children to develop a love of reading.

Our Great Big Backyard

Jenna and Laura Bush collaborated on this children's book, published in 2016.

Sisters First

Jenna and Barbara Bush co-authored Sisters First: Stories from Our Wild and Wonderful Life in 2017.

Everything Beautiful in Its Time

Published in 2020, this memoir reflects on family, love, loss, and lessons she learned from her grandparents.

The Superpower of Sisterhood

Jenna and Barbara also collaborated on this later work about the bond between sisters.

Is Jenna Bush Hager Related to George H.W. Bush?

Yes.

Jenna is the granddaughter of former President George H.W. Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush.

Her father, George W. Bush, was their eldest son.

This makes Jenna part of one of the most prominent political families in modern American history.

She is also the niece of Jeb Bush, the former governor of Florida, and several other members of the Bush family.

Is Jenna Bush Hager a Republican?

Jenna Bush Hager has not generally identified herself with a political party.

She and her twin sister Barbara have previously described themselves as independent thinkers rather than identifying with the Republican Party.

This is notable because their father and grandfather were prominent Republican presidents.

Jenna has nevertheless remained involved in political and public life because of her family background.

Was Jenna Bush Hager a First Daughter?

Yes.

Jenna Bush Hager was a first daughter during her father's presidency from 2001 to 2009.

She and her twin sister Barbara were the president's daughters while George W. Bush was in office.

However, Jenna was already an adult when her father became president. She was 19 at the beginning of his presidency and 27 when he left office.

Jenna Bush Hager's Career Timeline

Year    Milestone

1981    Born in Dallas, Texas

2004    Graduated from University of Texas at Austin

2006    Began working as a teacher's aide

2007    Published Ana's Story

2008    Married Henry Hager

2008    Co-authored Read All About It!

2009    Joined Today as a correspondent

2012    Became editor-at-large for Southern Living

2013    Daughter Mila was born

2015    Daughter Poppy was born

2016    Published Our Great Big Backyard

2017    Co-authored Sisters First

2019    Became co-host of Today's fourth hour

2019    Son Hal was born

2019    Launched Read with Jenna

2020    Published Everything Beautiful in Its Time

2025    Continued on Today after Hoda Kotb's departure

2026    Co-hosts Today with Jenna & Sheinelle

Jenna Bush Hager's Career Before Today

Although many people know her primarily as a television personality, Bush Hager did not immediately enter broadcasting after college.

She worked in education and participated in UNICEF-related work in Latin America.

Those experiences helped inspire Ana's Story.

She later entered publishing and worked as an editor-at-large for Southern Living magazine.

Her transition into television came in 2009 when she joined NBC's Today.

Jenna Bush Hager's Life After Hoda Kotb

Hoda Kotb's departure from Today in January 2025 changed the structure of the fourth hour.

Jenna remained on the program and eventually began co-hosting with Sheinelle Jones.

The program became Today with Jenna & Sheinelle.

By 2026, the pair had established their own on-air partnership.

Jenna has also continued to develop projects outside the daily morning show.

Jenna Bush Hager's New TV Project

In 2026, Bush Hager was connected to NBC's upcoming drama Line of Fire as an executive producer.

The series was created and written by Josh Safran and stars Peter Krause.

It is scheduled to premiere on NBC on September 21, 2026.

The project draws partly on Bush Hager's familiarity with the world of presidential security and the Secret Service, having grown up as the daughter of a U.S. president.

Conclusion

Jenna Bush Hager's career has evolved considerably beyond her identity as the daughter of a former president.

Born in Dallas in 1981, she grew up in the Bush political family alongside her twin sister Barbara. She studied English at the University of Texas, worked in education and UNICEF-related programs, and eventually turned her experiences into books before joining NBC's Today in 2009.

Her personal life has been equally significant. Jenna married Henry Hager on May 10, 2008, at her parents' Texas ranch, and the couple now have three children: Mila, Poppy and Hal.

Professionally, she has gone from Today correspondent to fourth-hour co-host and, following Hoda Kotb's departure, now co-hosts Today with Jenna & Sheinelle.

At 44, Bush Hager is therefore balancing several careers at once: television host, author, book-club curator, producer and mother. Her 2026 television work also shows that her career is continuing to expand beyond the traditional morning-show format.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is going on with Jenna Bush Hager?

Jenna Bush Hager continues to work as a television host on NBC’s Today. She co-hosts the fourth hour, Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, alongside Sheinelle Jones. Recent reports show that she remains active on the program and has also taken on a new role as an executive producer of NBC’s upcoming drama Line of Fire, which is scheduled to premiere in September 2026.

She briefly missed the earlier portions of Today in August 2026 because she was attending her nephew’s baptism in Maine, but she returned in time to host the fourth hour. There is no indication that she has left Today.

2. Why does Jenna Bush Hager look so different?

Jenna Bush Hager's appearance has changed somewhat over the years, with some recent reports pointing to gradual weight loss and changes in facial definition. Her face appears slimmer in more recent photographs, particularly around her cheeks and jawline.

However, there is no reliable evidence that she has undergone a specific cosmetic procedure. She has also said that she has not used GLP-1 medications for weight loss, explaining in 2025 that she had not tried them because she enjoys eating.

Therefore, claims that a particular surgery or medication caused her changed appearance should not be presented as fact unless she confirms it herself.

3. Why doesn't Jenna Bush Hager wear her wedding ring?

Jenna Bush Hager explained that she stopped wearing her wedding ring because she broke her finger. She addressed the speculation on Today in February 2025 and specifically reassured viewers that she and her husband, Henry Hager, were still happily married.

The couple married in May 2008 and have three children together. Recent 2026 coverage continues to show Jenna and Henry together as a family, so the absence of her wedding ring was not evidence of a separation or divorce.

4. What does Jenna Bush Hager's husband do?

Jenna Bush Hager's husband, Henry Hager, is a businessman and former political staffer. He has worked in the private sector and previously held positions in politics, including working for the U.S. Department of Commerce during the George W. Bush administration.

Hager is also known for his connection to the Bush family through his marriage to Jenna. The couple has three children: Mila, Poppy and Hal. Recent 2026 coverage continues to show Hager appearing with Jenna and their children during family events and vacations.

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    Written by Enoch Sagini