Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of former U.S. President George W. Bush and granddaughter of George H.W. Bush, has shared an anecdote about a colleague on the "Today" show suggesting she was hired because of her father's presidency. Hager, 44, revealed the comment on air, stating that about two months into her role, a co-star told her, "We just thought they hired you 'cause of your dad."
Hager acknowledged that her family's political background played a role in her opportunities. "I’m sure – and I haven’t asked my boss, and I’d rather not... I was on the show because my dad was president," she said. She admitted that she "wouldn't have gotten that opportunity" if not for her family, adding, "and I know that."
She recounted that she was working as a schoolteacher before being approached for the "Today" show. "Teaching is the hardest job there is," Hager stated, "so eventually I took the interview and I started here."
Hager's entry into television occurred after her father's time in office. She had previously appeared as a guest on "Today" during his presidency, promoting her 2007 book "Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope" and later co-authoring a children's book, "Read All About It!," with her mother, Laura Bush.
She told co-host Sheinelle Jones that the perception of having a privileged path is a common concern for individuals with famous parents. "And I think most people who have parents that, you know, we have a privilege that we know, and if you can own that..." she said.
Hager also mentioned that her perceived intense work ethic drew the attention of fellow NBC personality Maria Shriver, who reportedly asked her why she was working so hard. Shriver herself comes from a prominent political family, being a niece of President John F. Kennedy and the daughter of Sargent Shriver, who led Lyndon B. Johnson's "war on poverty" initiative.
Jenna and her twin sister Barbara gained public attention during their father's first year in the White House, notably for an incident involving underage drinking at age 19. Their public image was further shaped by a memorable parody on "Saturday Night Live" by Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, who portrayed them as party-centric figures. Hager officially joined the "Today" show as a regular correspondent in 2009.