Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of former President George W. Bush, spoke about how her father’s presidency helped launch her career during a segment on "Today with Jenna & Sheinelle" on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. She admitted to co-host Sheinelle Jones, "I got this interview… I was on the show because my dad was president."

Bush Hager explained that nine months after she and her mother wrote a book, her mother guest-hosted the 8:00 a.m. block of "The Today Show." Although she was asked multiple times to join the on-air team while working as a teacher, she initially declined. However, one acceptance led to a more than decade-long career at NBC, where she now co-hosts alongside Jones and runs the popular on-air book club "Read with Jenna," featuring author interviews and book recommendations.

Reflecting on her career, Bush Hager said, "I wouldn’t have been given that opportunity," referring to the international recognition her parents’ leadership in the White House brought her. Even after 17 years at "Today," she said, "I feel lucky to be here, and I also feel like I needed to prove it."

Bush Hager also shared that she discusses the concept of nepotism with her 13-year-old daughter, Mila, adding, "I always worked, and I hope I’m not imparting any sort of transference on that, overdoing it."

Additionally, it was reported by Deadline that Bush Hager will be working alongside Josh Safran, the creator of the show "Quantico."

Sources