Get ready for a family-filled week on daytime television! Jenna Bush Hager is inviting her loved ones to join her on the Today show's Jenna & Friends, and who better to kick things off than her husband, Henry Hager? Yes, you heard that right—Henry, 46, will be stepping into the spotlight as Jenna’s cohost for the episodes airing on March 27 and 28. Now, that’s what you call bringing the family dynamic to life on screen!
Family Week Kicks Off with Jenna & Friends
On the Friday, March 21 episode of Jenna & Friends, Jenna, 43, couldn’t contain her excitement as she announced the upcoming "Family Week" alongside her temporary cohost, the legendary actress Brooke Shields. “Next week is family week!” Jenna exclaimed with a mix of excitement and a hint of nervousness. “I’m a little freaked out,” she admitted, sharing her genuine emotions with her audience. Jenna’s fans know that her family is a big part of her life, and now they’ll get to see her loved ones in action on the show.
Henry Hager: Jenna’s New Co-Host
When Jenna revealed that Henry would be sitting next to her for the cohost role, she couldn’t help but admit she was “blushing” at the thought of having her hubby as her new temporary coworker. “He’s prepping, he’s been texting with all the producers. He has ideas, I don’t know any of them,” Jenna told Brooke, 59, adding that Henry was feeling a little “overwhelmed” by the responsibility. But don’t worry—Jenna assured everyone that it’s going to be “slightly wild,” which sounds like a recipe for fun-filled episodes!
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Brooke Shields Jokes About Henry’s Debut
Brooke Shields couldn’t resist throwing in a playful jab at Jenna about her husband’s upcoming debut. “He’s gonna be like, I got some notes for you!” Brooke joked, implying that Henry might just steal the spotlight with his newfound role. But hey, who wouldn’t want a little constructive criticism from the man who knows Jenna best?
Meet the Rest of the Family Lineup
Henry isn’t the only family member joining Jenna for this special week. Jenna’s twin sister, Barbara Pierce Bush, and cousins Wendy Stapleton and Sam Bush LeBlond will also step in as cohosts. Barbara, 43, will take the stage on March 24 and 25, while Wendy and Sam will cohost on March 26. It’s a full-blown family takeover, and we can’t wait to see how it all unfolds!
“Y’all have been asking to see @jennabhager’s family in the co-hosting chair, and now it’s time!” the official Jenna & Friends Instagram account captioned its announcement on March 21. “Don’t miss family week on #JennaandFriends starting Mon., March 24!”
Wendy shared her excitement in the comments section of the post, writing, “Can’t wait to cohost with cousin Sam who has agreed to go on air in tiger print hot pants.” Now, that’s what we call making an entrance!
Fans Want Jenna’s Dad, George W. Bush, to Join the Fun
While fans are thrilled about the all-in-the-family lineup, there’s one major request on everyone’s mind: Get Jenna’s dad, former United States President George W. Bush, on air. “I agree with everyone, your dad should host! It’d also be great to see him with Michelle [Obama] in a segment or co-hosting as well,” one fan commented. “Those two are funny separately and hilarious together.” Who knows, maybe we’ll see a surprise guest appearance!
Family Visits Aren’t New to the Today Show
Although this will be Henry’s first cohosting gig, the Today show set is no stranger to family visits. Jenna’s kids, Mila, 11, Poppy, 9, and son Hal, 5, have all made appearances on the show. In January, Jenna revealed that Mila, their eldest, is the only one of the trio who has shown interest in following in her mom’s footsteps. But, alas, Henry has put a temporary pause on Mila’s privileges to visit the set.
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“They’re not jumping, but I may push them like I’ve done my whole life,” Jenna told E! News at the time. “You know who really wants to do it? Mila Hager.” That said, Mila might need to learn how to use a filter on camera after sharing a family secret about her mom on air.
In December 2022, Mila joined Jenna and her mom’s former cohost, Hoda Kotb, who exited the show in January, on camera. After Hoda, 60, admitted that her favorite thing about Jenna was her uncontrollable laughter, Mila shared a story that was meant to stay at home. “Yeah, one time she was laughing in our living room and she peed her pants!” Mila said. “You changed your pajamas!”
During Jenna’s interview with E! News, she continued, “So, therefore, my husband gave her a lifetime ban. We’ll see if that’s lifted, maybe for bring your kids to work day. But she hasn’t been always the most supportive, let’s just say that.”
Henry’s Supportive Role
Despite the occasional ban, Henry remains a supportive husband to Jenna’s blossoming career behind the scenes. “Part of [a healthy relationship] is choosing the right person because they make you feel — they’re supportive,” Jenna told temporary cohost and country star Kelsea Ballerini during a January episode of Jenna & Friends, adding, “but they
