Former President George W. Bush expressed his straightforward opinion about his daughter’s television show, leading to laughter from the “Today” show hosts.
Jenna Bush Hager, aged 43, shared her father’s candid views on the November 19, 2025 episode of “Today.” Speaking with co-hosts Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, and Carson Daly, she revealed that the 79-year-old former president has consistently declined her requests to appear on the show. Bush Hager recounted that her father often says, “I don’t watch your dumb show,” which amused her colleagues. Daly remarked that this honesty is part of why they appreciate the former president.
The discussion emerged after Bush unexpectedly joined the “ManningCast” podcast with Peyton and Eli Manning earlier in the week. Bush Hager was surprised by his appearance, particularly since he told her he was retired from television. The former president participated from his art studio in Texas. During the podcast, Bush humorously noted to Eli Manning that he prepared for the interview for about 10 minutes and jested about not seeing the Mannings’ faces in a commercial, referring to their frequent advertisements.
Bush Hager’s co-hosts brainstormed ways to persuade the former president to join her show. Roker suggested that the “Today” team could travel to Texas to accommodate him. When Bush Hager questioned if they had the budget for it, Melvin humorously suggested they could find resources for a former president. Roker offered to accompany Bush Hager for the interview and proposed using iPhones if necessary. Despite these ideas, Bush Hager doubted her father would agree, joking that he would still decline.
Despite his playful criticism, Bush has been a key supporter of his daughter’s broadcasting career. When Bush Hager’s co-host Hoda Kotb announced her exit from “Today” after 26 years, she sought her father’s comfort. Bush Hager recalled calling him in an emotional state, leading him to initially worry something was wrong. He assured her that Kotb was leaving because the timing was right and encouraged her by saying, “It’s your turn. It’s OK,” which she shared during a September 2024 episode. Kotb, then 60, responded with applause to Bush’s supportive words.
Kotb later mentioned that Bush Hager was anxious when they started working together and reached out to her father. Bush expressed happiness for his daughter but jokingly reminded her that Kotb was the star and that she should be comfortable sharing the spotlight.
Discussions about Bush’s viewing habits of his daughter’s show have occurred on “Today” multiple times. During a 2017 appearance with then-co-host Kathie Lee Gifford, Bush was asked if he watched his daughter daily. He replied no, prompting Bush Hager to intervene, reminding him he sometimes watches. Bush clarified that Gifford had specifically asked about daily viewing and confirmed he occasionally watches, emphasizing his pride in her.
During a 2021 appearance with his wife, former First Lady Laura Bush, the president expanded on his pride in his daughter’s accomplishments. “I never imagined she would be a star, and we’re very proud of her and love her,” he said during that visit. The former president has made several appearances on “Today” over the years, most recently in 2021 to discuss immigration.
Bush Hager has been hosting “Today with Jenna & Friends” with various celebrity co-hosts since Kotb’s departure in January. Her mother, Laura Bush, and twin sister, Barbara Bush, have both appeared as guests on the program, though her father has not. Bush Hager and Barbara are the only children of George and Laura Bush.
Guest host Justin Sylvester recalled during an October episode that Bush Hager once nearly succeeded in getting her father on the show via telephone. Sylvester said Bush responded enthusiastically when asked, telling them to get the party started, which Sylvester found endearing. Bush Hager has been part of the “Today” show for more than 16 years and has established herself as a prominent figure in morning television. The program airs weekdays, with “Today with Jenna & Friends” broadcasting during the fourth hour at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. For now, it appears the former president plans to stick with his retirement from regular television appearances.
