Jenna Bush Hager Reveals Embarrassing Dad Moments with Former President Bush

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of former U.S. President George W. Bush, opened up about her father’s quirky public behavior during a recent episode of her NBC show, Jenna & Friends. The 43-year-old anchor shared how her dad’s antics, including a viral moment with former President Barack Obama, often leave her cringing.

During a conversation with co-host Taraji P. Henson, Jenna recounted how her father’s playful tap on Obama’s belly at Jimmy Carter‘s funeral became an internet sensation. “During Jimmy Carter’s funeral, he [Bush] gave a tap to Obama,” Jenna said, referring to the moment captured on video at the Washington National Cathedral. She admitted to using the incident as a teaching moment, telling her dad, “With something like that, just put out your hand.”

Despite the occasional embarrassment, Jenna emphasized her close bond with her father, describing him as a supportive and encouraging parent. “I love him, and he was present, he was paying attention to us and made us feel we could do anything,” she shared. Taraji responded, “That relationship is different and special.”

Jenna also revealed her latest professional venture: a new publishing imprint called Thousand Voices Books with Random House Publishing Group. The project aims to spotlight emerging authors across various genres. “This new venture is a natural extension of my passion for books and reading, and an existing collaboration with writers and publishers, but still entirely new and exciting,” she said. The first release under the imprint, Conform by Ariel Sullivan, is a dystopian romance set to debut in October.

Meanwhile, Jenna’s show, Jenna & Friends, continues to attract high-profile guests, including Scarlett Johansson, Keke Palmer, and Eva Longoria. “It’s just wild — just the fact that these A-list stars who could be doing anything want to be sitting on our set is a testament to the show and to what we’ve built,” Jenna said.

Jenna, who has been a co-anchor on Today since 2019, recently bid farewell to NBC News after her final episode. Her departure marks the end of an era for the popular morning show, with co-host Hoda Kotb also stepping down earlier this year.