Jenna Bush Hager, co-host of the "Today" show, shared an unusual anecdote about her six-year-old son, Hal, revealing that he sometimes licks her face in a manner similar to their pet cats. Bush Hager discussed the quirk during Wednesday's episode of the "Today" show with Jenna and Sheinelle.
"He likes to lick my [forehead] like a cat. We have cats," Bush Hager said, clarifying it was not on her mouth. Her co-host, Sheinelle Jones, expressed surprise, questioning what she would do in that situation and joking that Hal was "a little old" for such behavior. Jones suggested it might be less peculiar if it were a toddler, but ultimately found the idea of being licked on the face unsettling regardless of age.
Bush Hager, who shares Hal and two daughters, Mila, 13, and Poppy, 10, with her husband Henry Chase Hager, explained that she tells her son "Please don't lick me. Please stop licking me," but it is not always effective.
The family's cats, Hollywood and Mango, are a significant part of their household. They adopted Hollywood in March 2023 and welcomed Mango, described as Poppy's kitten, in January 2024.
Previously, Bush Hager has spoken about the challenges of parenting and motherhood. In an interview with Parents, she discussed her struggles with "mom guilt," ultimately realizing its lack of benefit and choosing to focus on enjoying the time she spends with her children. She also expressed a desire for her children to develop independence, a value she attributes to her own upbringing by former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush.