Jenna Bush Hager Shares Childhood Struggles and Her Close Relationship with Her Father

Jenna Bush Hager recently opened up about the tensions she experienced with her father, former President George W. Bush, during her youth. She revealed that there was a period when she was receiving poor grades in school, which led to conflicts at home.

During a segment on “Today With Jenna & Friends,” she recalled how her father would sit with her at the kitchen table to help her with math. “We’d get into big fights and I’d cry myself to sleep,” she said, laughing. Her guest co-host, Sheinelle Jones, remarked that such experiences are relatable and reflect many families’ nightly routines.

While she didn’t specify exactly when these struggles occurred, Jenna noted that she and her twin sister, Barbara, were 19 when their father began his presidency in 2001. Despite these earlier challenges, Jenna maintains a strong relationship with him. In September 2024, she admitted she had called her father in tears upon hearing that former co-host Hoda Kotb would be leaving her long-standing TV position. Her emotional call was shared publicly by Hoda Kotb, who recalled Jenna’s vulnerability when she first began working on the show in 2019.

Jenna married Henry Hager in 2008, and they are parents to Mila, 12, Poppy, 10, and Hal, 6. Despite childhood disagreements, her relationship with her father remains positive. She also shared that she recently called George in tears over the news of Hoda Kotb leaving the show, and he reassured her that it was her turn and she would be okay. Jenna recounted how her father, supportive and encouraging, told her it was time for her to move forward, emphasizing the strength of their bond.