George W. Bush Sends Daughter Jenna Special Message on 1st Day as New 'Today' Show Host
Jenna Bush Hager made her official “Today” show debut as the co-host of the 10:00 hour alongside Hoda Kotb after Kathie Lee Gifford’s final day last week.
Bush Hager was showered with love and support from her new colleagues and from her family, including her spouse and children, as well as her parents, George W. Bush and Laura Bush.
Bush Hager talked about her excitement in starting the new role, which has caused a range of emotions for the 37-year-old television personality.
“I got in bed and I was calm,” Bush Hager said of the night before her new job. “(My husband) Henry and I went out for a date night,” she said, then came home and put on “60 Minutes.”
“I got on Instagram right before bed and I saw our new Instagram page,” she continued. “At first, I was like, ‘My head looks huge!’ But then I got over that — and I just screamed and I woke him up — then I got really hyper. And Henry said he was about to tranquilize me, and then I feel asleep.”
To commemorate her first day, the new host watched surprise video messages from her family wishing her all the best and reminding her how proud they were of all her accomplishments.
Bush Hager’s father, George W. Bush, sent his congratulations alongside Laura Bush and Bush Hager’s mother-in-law Margaret Hager. The host was left in tears at the kind words expressed from her family.
.@jennabushhager’s dad, mother and mother-in-law wanted to wish her well on her first day! ♥️ pic.twitter.com/mLiHaVC11h
— TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@HodaAndJenna) April 8, 2019
“Hey, Jenna, your old dad here on film to tell you how much I love you and how proud I am of you,” the former president said. “I know you’ll do a fabulous job.”
“Jenna, your mother and your mother-in-law are calling to say we’re so proud of you!” Laura Bush added.
As if the video message weren’t emotional enough, Bush Hager was then surprised again when her husband Henry appeared on stage with their daughters, Mila, 5, and Poppy, 3. The adorable pair wore matching dresses and gave roses to their mom.
Bush Hager joked that her new job apparently meant crying on television all the time and dabbing tears out of her eyes.
“I’m a wreck!” Bush Hager said.
Congratulations to the new host who is sure to bring new memories of laughter and joy to the beloved show.
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
