What Happened to Jenna Welch Bush Hager?
Jenna Bush Hager is an American news personality, author, and journalist, best known as the co-host of the fourth hour of NBC's "Today" show, currently titled "Today with Jenna & Sheinelle." She has expanded her career into publishing with her imprint, Thousand Voices Media, and recently ventured into television production as an executive producer for the NBC drama series "Line of Fire," picked up for the 2026-2027 broadcast season.
Quick Answer
Jenna Bush Hager continues to be a prominent figure on NBC's "Today" show, co-hosting "Today with Jenna & Sheinelle" as of May 2026. She is actively involved with her popular "Read with Jenna" book club, announcing monthly selections, and her publishing imprint, Thousand Voices Media, is releasing new books in mid-2026. Furthermore, Hager has expanded her career into television production, serving as an executive producer for the NBC drama pilot "Protection," which was picked up as the series "Line of Fire" for the 2026-2027 broadcast season.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Dallas, Texas
Jenna Welch Bush was born in Dallas, Texas, the daughter of George W. Bush and Laura Bush.
Cited for underage alcohol possession
While attending the University of Texas at Austin, Hager was cited for possession of alcohol by a minor.
Graduated from University of Texas at Austin
Hager earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Texas at Austin.
Began teaching and interned with UNICEF
She took a teaching position in Washington, D.C., and interned with UNICEF, traveling to Latin America.
Published 'Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope'
Her first book, inspired by her UNICEF work, became a New York Times bestseller.
Married Henry Hager
Jenna Bush married Henry Chase Hager in a private ceremony at her parents' ranch in Crawford, Texas.
Joined NBC News as a correspondent
Hager was hired as a contributing correspondent for "The Today Show" and NBC News.
First daughter, Margaret Laura 'Mila' Hager, born
Jenna and Henry Hager welcomed their first child.
Launched 'Read with Jenna' book club
Hager introduced her monthly book club on "Today," which quickly gained significant influence in the publishing world.
Became co-host of Today's fourth hour
She officially took over from Kathie Lee Gifford, co-hosting with Hoda Kotb.
Created Thousand Voices production company
Hager founded her own production company, Thousand Voices.
Launched Thousand Voices Media publishing imprint
Hager expanded her literary endeavors by launching her own publishing imprint with Random House Publishing Group.
Announced as Executive Producer for NBC pilot 'Protection'
Hager revealed her new role as an executive producer for a scripted NBC drama pilot, marking her entry into television production.
NBC picks up 'Line of Fire' (formerly 'Protection') for 2026-2027 season
The drama series, on which Hager serves as an executive producer, was officially greenlit by NBC for its upcoming broadcast season.
Discussed book banning on 'Las Culturistas' podcast
Hager appeared on the "Las Culturistas" podcast, sharing her perspective on book banning.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Jenna Welch Bush Hager, born November 25, 1981, is the younger of the non-identical twin daughters of the 43rd U.S. President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush. After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in English in 2004, Hager initially pursued a career in education, teaching third grade in Washington, D.C., and interning with UNICEF in Latin America. Her experiences inspired her first book, "Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope" (2007), followed by "Read All About It!" (2008), co-authored with her mother.
Hager's media career began in 2009 when she joined NBC News as a correspondent and contributor for "The Today Show." Her profile steadily grew, leading to her becoming a co-host of the fourth hour of "Today" in April 2019, succeeding Kathie Lee Gifford and initially co-hosting with Hoda Kotb. In March 2019, she launched her highly influential "Read with Jenna" book club, which has since propelled numerous titles to bestseller lists and seen many selections optioned for film or television adaptations.
A significant turning point in her career came in 2022 with the creation of her production company, Thousand Voices. This expanded in early 2025 with the launch of Thousand Voices Media, a publishing imprint with Random House Publishing Group. Through this imprint, she continues to champion new authors, with three new books slated for release in mid-2026. Her annual salary from NBC's "Today Show" is reported to be $4 million, contributing to a combined estimated net worth with her husband, Henry Hager, of $14 million as of 2026.
In January 2026, Hager announced a major career milestone, venturing into scripted television as an executive producer for an NBC pilot titled "Protection." This project, which draws inspiration from law enforcement and the Secret Service (an area Hager is familiar with from her White House upbringing), was officially picked up by NBC in May 2026 as the drama series "Line of Fire" for its 2026-2027 broadcast season. She currently co-hosts "Today with Jenna & Sheinelle," following Hoda Kotb's departure from the fourth hour in January 2025 and Sheinelle Jones taking over as co-host. Hager also recently appeared on the "Las Culturistas" podcast in May 2026, discussing book banning. She is married to Henry Hager, and they have three children: daughters Mila (born 2013), Poppy (born 2015), and son Hal (born 2019).
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Jenna Welch Bush Hager made different choices?