5 Shocking Revelations And Major Changes For Jenna Bush Hager In Late 2025: From A New Co-Host To Her Daughter’s Phone Ban

Contents
As of December 20, 2025, Jenna Bush Hager has concluded one of the most transformative years of her broadcasting career, marked by a seismic shift in her professional life and candid, surprising revelations about her family. The former First Daughter, who has successfully carved out a niche as a beloved television host and literary tastemaker, navigated the transition from "Today with Hoda & Jenna" to a new format following Hoda Kotb’s departure, culminating in the emotional announcement of a permanent new co-host. This period has cemented her status as a central figure in American morning television and a powerful voice in the literary world through her influential "Read With Jenna" book club. This in-depth look explores the biggest news stories, career pivots, and personal moments that defined Jenna Bush Hager’s late 2025, revealing the future of her popular NBC show and the surprising dream job she hopes to land next. The updates provide a fresh, unique perspective on her life as a TV personality, author, and mother.

Jenna Bush Hager: A Complete Profile and Biography

Jenna Bush Hager has successfully transitioned from a first daughter to a prominent television personality, author, and literacy advocate. She is the daughter of the 43rd U.S. President, George W. Bush, and former First Lady Laura Bush.
  • Full Name: Jenna Welch Bush Hager
  • Date of Birth: November 25, 1981
  • Place of Birth: Dallas, Texas, U.S.
  • Parents: George W. Bush and Laura Bush
  • Twin Sister: Barbara Pierce Bush
  • Education: University of Texas at Austin
  • Spouse: Henry Chase Hager (m. 2008)
  • Children: Margaret "Mila" Laura Hager, Poppy Louise Hager, and Henry "Hal" Harold Hager
  • Primary Roles: Co-host of the fourth hour of NBC's *Today Show*, Founder of "Read With Jenna" Book Club, Author, Editor-at-Large for *Southern Living* magazine.
  • Notable Works: *Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope*, *Sisters First: Stories from Our Wild and Wonderful Life* (with Barbara Pierce Bush), *The Superpower Sisterhood*.

Jenna began her career as a teacher and later became a contributing correspondent for the *Today Show* in 2009. Her role expanded significantly over the next decade, eventually leading to her becoming a co-host of the show's fourth hour in 2019, succeeding Kathie Lee Gifford. Her commitment to literature is highlighted by her "Read With Jenna" book club, which has become one of the most influential literary platforms in the United States.

The Major TV Shake-Up: A New Co-Host and Show Rebrand

The biggest news dominating Jenna Bush Hager’s professional life in late 2025 was the official naming of her new permanent co-host. Following Hoda Kotb's departure from the fourth hour of the *Today Show* in January 2025, the program was temporarily rebranded as "Today with Jenna & Friends," featuring a rotation of guest hosts including Willie Geist, Scarlett Johansson, and Olivia [unspecified last name].

The suspense ended in December 2025 when Jenna tearfully announced that her new permanent co-host would be her long-time NBC colleague, Sheinelle Jones.

The announcement marked the end of an 11-month search and a new beginning for the popular morning slot. The show will be officially renamed "TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle," with the new iteration set to premiere on January 12, 2026. This move solidifies Jones's role and is a significant step, as she becomes the first permanent co-host since Kotb's exit. The emotional reveal highlighted the deep, personal connection between the two hosts, assuring fans that the warm, authentic energy of the show will continue in its new format.

The 2025 Read With Jenna Book Club: A Year in Review

Jenna Bush Hager’s "Read With Jenna" book club continues to be a powerhouse in the publishing industry, consistently driving titles to the top of bestseller lists. The full list of 2025 selections showcased a diverse and compelling mix of genres, from classic literature to contemporary fiction, reaffirming her topical authority in the literary world.

The year concluded with a surprising classic pick for December 2025: Jane Austen's timeless novel, *Pride and Prejudice*. This choice, a departure from the club's usual focus on new releases, was highlighted as a perfect gift suggestion for the holiday season.

Other notable and diverse picks from the 2025 calendar year included:

  • August 2025: "My Other Heart" by Emma Nanami Strenner.
  • April 2025: "Heartwood" by Amity Gaige.
  • March 2025: "The Dream Hotel" by Laila Lalami.
  • November 2025: "Cursed Daughters" by Oyinkan [unspecified last name].

Her ongoing commitment to promoting new and established authors, often through her own publishing venture, Thousand Voices, was also a theme in her personal life, notably being featured in her family’s 2025 Christmas card.

Latest Personal Updates and Surprising Career Aspirations

Beyond the studio, Jenna Bush Hager shared several candid updates about her family life and revealed a surprising "dream" job that has nothing to do with morning television.

The Phone Ban and Family Christmas Card

In a rare family update, Jenna revealed her decision to hold back on gifting her 12-year-old daughter, Mila Hager, a cell phone. The discussion on "TODAY with Jenna & Friends" centered on the challenges of parenting a pre-teen in the digital age, with Jenna expressing her reluctance to introduce a smartphone into Mila's life just yet. This candid moment provided a glimpse into her and husband Henry Hager’s approach to raising their three children: Mila, Poppy, and Hal.

In December 2025, the family’s annual Christmas card was unveiled, featuring a familiar theme. The card incorporated her love for books and her Thousand Voices publishing brand, delighting fans who praised the unique and personal touch.

The 'Dead Person' Dream Job on NBC

Perhaps the most unexpected revelation of 2025 was Jenna’s desire to land a role in a scripted drama. In July 2025, she openly expressed her hope to join the cast of a hit NBC drama—specifically, she wants to play a "dead person" on a show like *Law & Order*. The TV host gave details about her hopes for this unexpected next chapter, stating that it would be a fun, low-commitment way to fulfill an acting dream without disrupting her *Today Show* schedule.

A Moment of Absence

Despite the exciting professional changes, Jenna’s schedule remains demanding. In September 2025, she was notably absent from the *Today Show* again, just one day after her return. While the reason was not detailed, it highlighted the occasional need for breaks amid her busy life as a co-host, book club curator, and mother. Her co-hosts, including Willie Geist and Savannah Guthrie, often fill in during these periods.

From the emotional announcement of Sheinelle Jones as her new permanent co-host to her influential book club selections and her humorous *Law & Order* aspiration, Jenna Bush Hager’s late 2025 updates confirm her status as one of the most dynamic and relatable figures on television. Her pivot to "TODAY with Jenna & Sheinelle" marks an exciting new era for the fourth hour, promising continued warmth and insightful conversation for her devoted audience.

jenna bush hager news
jenna bush hager news

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