Jenna Bush Hager
The First Daughter who carved her own path as a relatable television voice, connecting with audiences through books and morning conversation.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American journalist, author, and television personality·Birthday: November 25·Millennials
Biography
Jenna Bush Hager grew up in the most public of fishbowls, yet she emerged with a warm, approachable voice entirely her own. Rather than pursue a political life, the daughter of President George W. Bush turned toward storytelling and human connection. She worked as an elementary school teacher and a correspondent for UNICEF, co-authoring a book about a young HIV-positive boy. This narrative drive led her to NBC News, where she evolved from a contributor into the emotional anchor of the 'Today' show's fourth hour. Alongside authoring children's books, her segment 'Read with Jenna' has become a powerful force in the publishing world, turning her book club picks into instant bestsellers. Hager has mastered the art of using her platform not for politics, but for fostering community, literacy, and candid conversation about motherhood and life, endearing her to a broad daytime audience.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jenna was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jenna Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Jenna's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Co-hosts the fourth hour of NBC's 'Today' show, building a dedicated audience for its lifestyle and interview format.
- Founded the 'Read with Jenna' book club, which has significantly boosted sales for selected titles and authors.
- Co-authored the New York Times bestselling non-fiction book 'Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope' based on her UNICEF work.
Did You Know?
She and her twin sister, Barbara, were the first twins to live in the White House.
She is named after her grandmothers, Jenna Hawkins and Barbara Bush.
She worked as an intern at the National Archives, where she handled historical documents including the U.S. Constitution.
“I think we have to give ourselves grace, and know that we're doing the best we can.”
