5 Surprising Confessions Jenna Bush Hager Made About Her Bikini Body And Body Confidence Journey

Jenna Bush Hager's journey to body acceptance is a powerful story of vulnerability and self-love, and it's far more complex than a simple beach photo. As of December 2025, the *Today with Jenna & Hoda* co-host continues to be an open book, frequently sharing intimate details about her relationship with her body, including surprising confessions that have resonated with millions of viewers and cemented her status as a relatable voice in media. Her willingness to discuss everything from childhood insecurities to the surprising reason an ex-boyfriend broke up with her after seeing her in a swimsuit has turned the conversation around her "bikini body" from superficial curiosity into a meaningful discussion on self-worth. The recent flurry of interest in Jenna Bush Hager's bikini moments, often stemming from tropical vacation photos shared on social media, serves as a backdrop to a much deeper narrative. She has leveraged her platform to dismantle the unrealistic pressures placed on women, particularly mothers, when it comes to swimwear and body image, offering a refreshing perspective that prioritizes health and happiness over societal expectations.

Jenna Bush Hager: A Complete Biographical Profile

Jenna Welch 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, *Today with Jenna & Hoda*. She is a prominent public figure whose career and personal life are often in the spotlight, especially her candid discussions on motherhood and body image.

• Full Name: Jenna Welch Bush Hager (née Bush)
• Date of Birth: November 25, 1981
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 44
• Place of Birth: Dallas, Texas, U.S.
• Parents: George W. Bush (43rd U.S. President) and Laura Bush (Former First Lady)
• Twin Sister: Barbara Pierce Bush
• Education: University of Texas at Austin (English)
• Husband: Henry Chase Hager (m. 2008)
• Children: 3 (Daughters: Margaret Laura "Mila" Hager, born 2013; Poppy Louise Hager, born 2015; Son: Henry "Hal" Harold Hager, born 2019)
• Career Highlights: Former reading resource teacher; NBC News Correspondent (2009); Editor-at-Large for *Southern Living* magazine; Co-host of *Today with Jenna & Hoda* (since 2019); Author of several books, including *Ana's Story* and the children's book *Our Great Big Backyard*.
• Notable Achievements: Co-founder of the book club "Read with Jenna."

The Candid Confessions That Define Her Body Image Journey

The public's fascination with Jenna Bush Hager's appearance, particularly her rare bikini and swimsuit photos, has been consistently reframed by the host herself. She uses these moments of public scrutiny as teaching opportunities, transforming them into honest, relatable conversations about the lifelong struggle with self-acceptance. Her insights are drawn from deeply personal and often surprising experiences.

1. The Ex-Boyfriend Who Broke Up With Her Over a Swimsuit

One of Jenna's most shocking confessions involved a past relationship that ended abruptly because of her swimwear. She revealed on the *Today Show* that an ex-boyfriend broke up with her after seeing her in a bathing suit during a college spring break trip. This deeply personal story highlighted the brutal reality of external judgment and the impact it can have on one's self-esteem. The confession sparked a massive reaction from fans and co-host Hoda Kotb, underscoring the universal nature of feeling judged by a partner or society based on physical appearance. Jenna shared that while the breakup was painful, the experience ultimately helped her realize that true love and acceptance should be unconditional, shifting her focus from pleasing others to self-love.

2. Barbara Bush's "Chubby" Comment That Stuck for Decades

Jenna Bush Hager has spoken openly about how body image issues began for her at a very young age, even as early as nine years old. A particularly impactful moment she shared was a comment made by her beloved grandmother, former First Lady Barbara Bush. While young Jenna was wearing a bikini, her grandmother told her she looked "chubby." Though Jenna believes the comment was likely made without malice, it created a lasting impression and contributed to her body image struggles throughout her adolescence and into adulthood. Her willingness to share this anecdote, even about a family member, demonstrated her commitment to a truly honest dialogue about the subtle ways body shaming can begin and persist.

3. Her Post-Pregnancy Bikini Revelation and "Mom-Body" Acceptance

After having three children—Mila, Poppy, and Hal—Jenna spoke candidly about the pressure to "bounce back" and the difficulty of wearing a bikini after kids. She shared that for several years, she avoided wearing a two-piece swimsuit entirely, opting for more covered options. Her breakthrough came with a conscious decision to embrace her "mom body" and prioritize her children's experience over her own insecurity. She recognized that her kids didn't care about a flat stomach; they cared about their mother swimming and playing with them. This realization was a pivotal moment in her body confidence journey, allowing her to finally wear a bikini again without the crippling self-criticism.

How Jenna Bush Hager Maintains Her Health and Positive Body Image

Jenna Bush Hager’s approach to health and wellness is centered on sustainable lifestyle changes, mental well-being, and a rejection of the scale. Her philosophy is less about achieving a "bikini body" and more about cultivating a positive relationship with herself. This focus on long-term health is what truly drives her success and her ability to maintain a healthy weight.

The Amazing Grass Superfood Routine

Jenna has been open about her daily diet, which includes a commitment to getting her greens. She is a noted fan of Amazing Grass Green Superfood, which she incorporates into her routine to ensure she is getting essential nutrients. This focus on nutrition, rather than restrictive dieting, is a key component of her healthy lifestyle.

Prioritizing Movement and Meditation

Beyond diet, Jenna emphasizes the importance of exercise and mental health practices. She credits regular exercise, meditation, and a focus on getting enough vegetables with helping her cultivate a positive body image. Her approach is holistic, treating her body with respect through movement and her mind with care through meditation. This balanced perspective helps her manage the pressures of being a high-profile television host and a mother of three.

The Rejection of the Scale

A powerful step Jenna took in her journey was getting rid of her scale. She openly discussed her decision not to own a scale, explaining that the number on it had too much power over her self-perception and mood. By focusing on how her clothes fit, how she feels, and her energy levels, rather than a number, she was able to shift her focus from weight to overall wellness and happiness. This simple yet profound change is a crucial piece of advice she offers to fans struggling with body image. Jenna Bush Hager’s story is a testament to the fact that body confidence is a continuous journey, not a destination. Her openness about her past struggles—from a cruel breakup to a well-intentioned but damaging comment from her grandmother—has transformed the public conversation around her bikini photos into a powerful message of self-acceptance and resilience. She continues to be a vital voice for women, promoting a healthy, balanced, and self-compassionate view of body image in the media landscape.