Every morning, viewers are glued to their screens as Jenna Bush Hager delivers unexpected surprises on the show. Recently, she shared a delightful story about a surprising gift she received in the mail before becoming a mom of three. Can you guess what it was? Nope, not diapers or baby clothes—it was something much more symbolic.
Unusual Texas Tradition for Jenna’s Babies
During an episode on September 15, Jenna, 41, revealed a quirky tradition her family embraced. "You know that somebody actually sent my mom Texas dirt to be put under the bed when I delivered my children so that they could be born on Texas soil in New York City?" Jenna explained, sparking laughter and admiration from her co-hosts and the audience. This unique gesture highlights how deeply rooted Jenna’s connection to her home state remains, even after moving across the country.
Jenna’s Texas Roots
Jenna was born in Dallas to former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush, alongside her twin sister, Barbara Bush, back in 1981. As the author of Love Comes First, Jenna moved to the Northeast with her husband, Henry Hager, at the start of her broadcasting career. Despite living far from her childhood home, Jenna ensures her children, Mila, Poppy, and Hal, carry forward her cherished Texas traditions.
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Mila’s Love for Texas Summer Camp
Mila, the eldest at 10, adores spending her summers at a camp in Texas. Jenna shared during a July 31 episode, "She’s probably one of the only kids from the Northeast — it’s a lot of Texans. It’s really hot, no air conditioning, but she loves it." The experience offers Mila a sense of independence and adventure, making sleepaway camp a cherished rite of passage. Jenna beams with pride when she talks about visiting Mila and witnessing her thrive in such an environment.
Even though Jenna has built a life in the Northeast, her heart remains tied to Texas. It's a theme that frequently appears in her books and family adventures. "Your kids are always going to have Texas in them," cohost Hoda Kotb noted, with Jenna jokingly adding, "And they do have southern accents because once I start to have a margarita and put on some Willie Nelson, I’m a whole new person." The laughter in the studio was infectious as Jenna and Hoda reminisced about their shared love for southern culture.
Halloween Costumes That Will Make You Chuckle
Just days before sharing her Texas traditions, Jenna revealed her kids’ quirky plans for Halloween costumes this year. On September 18, she told the Today audience, "Hal wants to be a New York City rat." Not just any rat, mind you, but a specific breed unique to the city. The audience erupted in laughter at the thought of little Hal strutting around as a city rodent.
But Hal wasn’t the only one with an unconventional idea. Jenna continued, "Poppy is going to be the character from Clueless, which she’s never seen." And Mila? Well, Jenna shared, "The last I checked, she was going to be one of Taylor Swift’s albums. I think Lover." These creative choices reflect the fun, imaginative personalities of Jenna’s children and bring joy to the Today show family and their viewers.
