Former President George W. Bush recently shared his candid views on his daughter Jenna Bush Hager’s television program, drawing laughter from the “Today” show team with his straightforward comments.
Jenna Bush Hager, 43, disclosed her father’s blunt opinion during the November 19, 2025, episode of “Today.” She explained to co-hosts Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, and Carson Daly that the 79-year-old former president consistently turned down her offers to appear on the show. Bush Hager recounted her father’s remarks, such as “I don’t watch your dumb show,” which caused her colleagues to laugh. Daly noted that this honesty is why they appreciate the former president.
The discussion emerged after Bush made a surprise appearance on the “ManningCast” podcast with Peyton and Eli Manning earlier in the week. Bush Hager expressed surprise at seeing her father participate, as he had previously informed her he was retired from television. The former president joined from his art studio in Texas. During the podcast, Bush displayed his humor when Eli Manning asked about his preparation time for the interview, to which Bush replied he spent about 10 minutes, and then joked he was glad not to see the Manning brothers’ faces in a commercial, referencing their many advertising appearances.
Bush Hager’s co-hosts explored ways to persuade the former president to appear on her show. Roker suggested the “Today” team could travel to Texas to accommodate him. Bush Hager questioned the budget feasibility, to which Melvin joked that resources could probably be allocated for a former president. Roker even offered to accompany Bush Hager for the interview, suggesting they could use iPhones if needed. Despite these suggestions, Bush Hager doubted her father would agree, stating he would still decline.
Despite his light-hearted critique, Bush has been a significant supporter of his daughter’s broadcasting career. When Bush Hager’s long-time co-host Hoda Kotb announced her departure from “Today” after 26 years with NBC, Bush Hager turned to her father for support. She recalled calling him while very emotional, leading him to worry something had gone wrong. He reassured her that Kotb was leaving because the timing was suitable and encouraged her, saying, “It’s your turn. It’s OK.” Kotb, 60 at the time, responded with applause to Bush’s supportive words.
Kotb later recalled that Bush Hager was anxious when they first started working together and reached out to her father. Bush expressed happiness for his daughter but humorously reminded her that the NBC veteran Kotb was the star, and she should feel comfortable sharing the spotlight.
Bush’s television viewing habits regarding his daughter’s show have been discussed on “Today” multiple times over the years. During a 2017 appearance with then-co-host Kathie Lee Gifford, Bush was asked directly if he watched his daughter every day. He replied no, which prompted Bush Hager to interject that he was supposed to say yes and to remind him that he sometimes watched. Bush clarified that Gifford had specifically asked about daily viewing. He confirmed that he occasionally watched his daughter on the program and emphasized that he was extremely proud of 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. Jenna 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.
