From White House daughter to media personality, the independent path of Jenna Bush Hager.
In short: Jenna Bush Hager is more than the daughter of a U.S. president. After navigating the intense spotlight of her father's administration, she carved out a career as an author, educator, and television host. Today, she balances a prominent role on NBC's Today show with literary advocacy and independent political views.
Born in 1981 to George W. and Laura Bush, Jenna Bush Hager grew up in the public eye. Her early years were marked by the transition from life in Texas to the national stage when her father was elected president in 2001. During her college years at the University of Texas at Austin, she and her twin sister, Barbara, faced significant media scrutiny, including two arrests for alcohol-related charges in 2001. Despite the pressure of her family's political legacy, Hager eventually sought to define her own identity, notably choosing not to align herself with the Republican Party, preferring to identify as an independent thinker.
Following her father's presidency, Hager transitioned into a multifaceted career. She spent time as a teacher's aide at a Washington, D.C. charter school and completed an internship with UNICEF in Latin America. These experiences informed her first book, 2007's Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope, which documented her work with UNICEF-sponsored charities. Her literary efforts continued with children's books and memoirs, and she eventually launched the popular Read with Jenna book club on the Today show in 2019. Her professional life also expanded into television, where she became a fixture on NBC, eventually co-hosting the fourth hour of Today.
Hager's life remains a blend of public service and personal milestones. She married Henry Chase Hager in 2008, and the couple has three children. Her work has extended into diverse areas, including serving on the board of the Greenwich International Film Festival and investing in the Washington Spirit professional soccer club. Whether discussing bipartisanship with Michelle Obama or sharing candid personal anecdotes on air, Hager has navigated the complexities of her upbringing to build a career that bridges the gap between her political heritage and her own independent professional pursuits.
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