44 And Thriving: An Inside Look At Jenna Bush Hager's Life, Career, And Current Age

Jenna Bush Hager, the dynamic co-host of NBC’s Today with Hoda & Jenna, has a life story that is as engaging as her on-screen presence, moving from First Daughter to a highly successful journalist, author, and media personality. As of today, December 18, 2025, Jenna Bush Hager is 44 years old, having celebrated her most recent birthday just weeks ago.

Her journey is a fascinating blend of political heritage, literary passion, and broadcast stardom, making her one of the most recognizable faces in morning television. This deep dive explores not just her age, but the milestones, career moves, and personal life that define the woman behind the microphone, including her incredibly successful book club and her latest venture into the publishing world.

Jenna Bush Hager: A Comprehensive Biography and Profile

Jenna Bush Hager was born into one of America's most prominent political families, but she has carved out a unique and influential career path entirely her own. Her life has been one of constant evolution, from a young student under the intense public spotlight to a celebrated author and beloved television host.

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• Full Name: Jenna Welch Bush Hager (née Bush)
• Date of Birth: November 25, 1981
• Current Age (as of Dec. 18, 2025): 44 years old
• Place of Birth: Dallas, Texas, U.S.
• Parents: George W. Bush (43rd U.S. President) and Laura Bush (Former First Lady)
• Sibling: Barbara Pierce Bush (Twin Sister)
• Education: University of Texas at Austin (B.A. in English)
• Husband: Henry Chase Hager (Married 2008)
• Children: Mila (born 2013), Poppy (born 2015), and Hal (born 2019)
• Current Occupation: Television Presenter, Author, Journalist, Publisher
• Notable Roles: Co-host of Today with Hoda & Jenna, Founder of Read With Jenna Book Club

The Evolution of Her Career: From White House to 30 Rock

Jenna Bush Hager's career trajectory is a testament to her versatility and genuine connection with audiences. Her professional life began not in television, but in education, working as a teacher and an editor. However, her transition to journalism and media is what truly cemented her status as a household name.

Early Career and Transition to Television

After graduating from the University of Texas at Austin, Jenna initially pursued a career in education, teaching in Washington D.C. and working with UNICEF. This background in service and literature heavily influenced her later work. Her first major foray into media came in 2009 when she joined NBC News as a correspondent and contributor. She quickly became known for her warm, empathetic interview style and her ability to tell compelling human interest stories.

The Rise of the Today Show Star

In 2019, Jenna Bush Hager was named the co-host of the fourth hour of the Today Show, alongside Hoda Kotb, replacing Kathie Lee Gifford. The show, rebranded as Today with Hoda & Jenna, became a massive success, largely due to the infectious chemistry and candid conversations between the two hosts. Her role on the show allows her to blend her journalistic skills with her natural warmth and humor, making her a relatable figure to millions of viewers every morning. Her candid discussions about motherhood, marriage, and balancing a high-profile career resonate deeply with her audience.

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Read With Jenna: A Literary Empire and Topical Authority

Perhaps the most significant development in Jenna Bush Hager's career, and a major source of her topical authority, is the creation of her book club, Read With Jenna. Launched in March 2019, the book club has become one of the most influential literary platforms in the United States.

The "Jenna Effect" on Publishing

The "Jenna Effect" is a recognized phenomenon in the publishing industry. A book chosen for the club often sees an immediate and massive surge in sales, frequently propelling debut and mid-list authors onto the New York Times bestseller list. This platform has allowed her to champion diverse voices and compelling narratives, firmly establishing her as a literary tastemaker. Her passion for reading and her genuine enthusiasm for the chosen titles are key to the club's success.

Latest Ventures: Thousand Voices Media

In a major career expansion, Jenna Bush Hager recently announced the launch of her own publishing imprint, Thousand Voices Media (also referred to as Thousand Voices Books). This move is a natural extension of her work with Read With Jenna and underscores her commitment to amplifying new and inspiring stories. The imprint is focused on publishing novels and non-fiction works that align with the themes of connection, community, and hope that she promotes on her book club. This new venture, which began releasing its first novels in 2025, solidifies her role as a powerful force in both television and literature.

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The Personal Side: Family Life with Henry Hager

Beyond the bright lights of the studio, Jenna Bush Hager is a dedicated wife and mother. She is married to Henry Chase Hager, the son of former Virginia Lieutenant Governor John H. Hager. The couple met during her father's 2004 presidential campaign and married in 2008 at the Bush family's ranch in Crawford, Texas.

Raising Three Children in the Public Eye

Jenna and Henry are proud parents to three children: daughters Mila (Margaret Laura), Poppy (Poppy Louise), and son Hal (Henry Harold). Her children’s names all have special family significance, honoring their grandparents and great-grandparents. She often shares humorous and heartwarming anecdotes about her family life on the Today Show, making her even more relatable to working parents. Her open discussions about the challenges and joys of raising children, including recent family vacations and holiday celebrations, provide a grounding element to her public persona.

Key Milestones and Future Prospects

At 44 years old, Jenna Bush Hager is at a pivotal point in her career, balancing her high-profile television role with her growing literary empire. Her age is a numerical marker of a life already filled with extraordinary experiences and accomplishments.

• 40th Birthday (2021): A celebration of her two decades in the public eye and her established role on the Today Show.
• 43rd Birthday (2024): Celebrated live on the Today Show with co-host Hoda Kotb.
• 44th Birthday (2025): Marks a year of significant growth with the full launch of her Thousand Voices Media imprint.
• Future Ambitions: Interestingly, Jenna has expressed a surprising "dream job" of wanting to act on the hit NBC drama Law & Order, specifically hoping to play a "dead person" in an episode. This playful ambition shows her willingness to explore new facets of the entertainment world.

Whether she's interviewing a world leader, discussing a novel, or sharing a funny story about her children, Jenna Bush Hager continues to evolve and inspire. Her journey from First Daughter to a multi-hyphenate media mogul is a powerful story of finding one's own voice and passion, proving that age is truly just a number when you are driven by a love for storytelling and connection.