Inside Jenna Bush Hager’s 20-year relationship with husband Henry

Inside Jenna Bush Hager's 20-year relationship with husband Henry

In reflecting upon Jenna’s heartfelt conversation with Hoda, I find myself deeply moved by the authenticity and vulnerability she exudes when discussing her relationship with Henry. It is truly refreshing to witness a couple who, despite their long-standing union, continue to nurture and cherish the bonds that tie them together.


As a devoted follower, I can’t help but share my affection for the candid storytelling of Jenna Bush Hager. When she hosts Today with Hoda & Jenna, there’s nothing she enjoys more than recounting tales about her cherished husband Henry Hager and their delightful brood of three children.

On the NBC morning show, Jenna, aged 42, along with her cohost Hoda Kotb (who has recently stepped down from her role), frequently engage in discussions about families, relationships, and even dating. They often encourage their viewers to share their personal issues by calling in for advice.

Consequently, Jenna often finds herself talking about her love life, including her 20-year relationship with Henry (aged 46), which she doesn’t hesitate to disclose. She met him during her father, George W. Bush’s, 2004 presidential campaign.

At that time, Jenna was only 23 years old and resided in Washington, D.C., far from her home in Texas. Despite having encountered Henry during the winter, she had earlier confessed that she didn’t recall it being chilly due to her overwhelming feelings of affection.

On Today in September 2023, Jenna and Hoda (both aged 60) were chatting about Kylie Jenner’s public display of affection with Timothée Chalamet following a video release showing them kissing at a Beyoncé concert. As the conversation unfolded, Jenna shared memories from her own romantic past by saying: ‘It feels like an adrenaline rush – I can still remember!’

Inside Jenna Bush Hager's 20-year relationship with husband Henry

Inside Jenna Bush Hager's 20-year relationship with husband Henry

She recollected, “I told that to Henry. Our first winter together was indeed our very first winter. At that time, I resided in Washington, not Texas. It was chilly, though I can’t seem to recall it ever being particularly cold.

Hoda asked, “Is that something you recall?” To this, Jenna said, “I don’t recollect the sensation of being cold. I’ve never been cold… What I do remember is always feeling warm within and cherished.

As a lifestyle expert reflecting on 2022, I’d like to share an intriguing tidbit from a fascinating chapter in the lives of two individuals: Jenna and Henry. You may recall that during a candid broadcast, Jenna disclosed a captivating tale about their romance’s early days. It seems that, in the spirit of love’s clandestine whispers, Henry once had to surreptitiously exit the White House. This daring escapade, I believe, speaks volumes about their enduring bond and the adventures that love can inspire.

She shared with Hoda that while her parents were away, she was residing at that place. They often ventured out to local bars, and much like any relationship does, it eventually escalated to a particular point.

The following day, Henry awoke with a surprised exclamation, as he glanced around and realized he worked for her father.

Jenna conveyed to Hoda that at that moment, she was mentally expressing: “Enjoy yourself.” I wasn’t bothered. Leaving the White House was as challenging as getting in, a fact that the White House guards often overlook, since it’s not common for people to rush out.

The couple went public with their relationship the following year when they appeared together at a White House dinner for The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall – now King Charles III and Queen Camilla – in November 2005.

Previously apprehensive, Henry sought President Bush’s consent to propose to his daughter. In August of 2007, he made the proposal – yet it wasn’t their first conversation about tying the knot.

Inside Jenna Bush Hager's 20-year relationship with husband Henry
Inside Jenna Bush Hager's 20-year relationship with husband Henry

Previously, on the Today show, Jenna confessed that she proposed to Henry only three months into their relationship – a proposal he declined due to her youthful age at the time.

After spending about three months together, and possibly enjoying a festive drink around Christmastime, we found ourselves on the dance floor. In that moment, she exclaimed, “I feel certain that this is meant to be, I know it in my heart! Let’s go ahead and get married; there’s no reason to wait any longer!

‘My sister was like, “Whoa, whoa,”‘ she said of her twin Barbara Bush’s reaction.

Previously this year, Hoda playfully brought up the very topic that Jenna was reflecting on during their broadcast, as she recalled her initial encounter with Henry.

In a different phrase, Hoda said, “Since you were the one who initiated things, wasn’t he not required to do so?” To which Jenna responded, “Indeed,” before clarifying, “Well, I didn’t exactly make the first move, but more like hinted at it subtly… It was sort of implied.

Hoda noted, “I appreciate that about you – you’re straightforward when expressing your preferences. You don’t beat around the bush or play games, you simply state them.” Jenna responded by acknowledging, “Well, yes, I’ve held back a bit and kept my options open to some extent…

Hoda remained skeptical even when Jenna asserted, “Stop giving me that disbelieving gaze!” playfully accusing her, “I can’t believe you did! It was more like a proposal on our third date, wasn’t it?

On May 10, 2008, in a secluded wedding at Prairie Chapel Ranch, close to Crawford, Texas – which belonged to the bride’s parents – the joyful pair exchanged vows. The bride chose a beaded organza gown by Oscar de la Renta, featuring a short train, for her special day.

Inside Jenna Bush Hager's 20-year relationship with husband Henry
Inside Jenna Bush Hager's 20-year relationship with husband Henry
Inside Jenna Bush Hager's 20-year relationship with husband Henry

They celebrated their 16th wedding anniversary a few months ago, but Jenna previously ruled out ever renewing their vows.

In September 2023, during an appearance on Today with Hoda & Jenna, Jenna disclosed that she and Henry had originally intended to renew their vows, but later changed their minds about it.

She mentioned that when Henry and I got married, during our honeymoon, we thought to ourselves that once we reach our 10-year anniversary, we’d renew our wedding vows.

Let’s return to this place to reaffirm our promises once more. You see, we’ve been happily married for fifteen years now, but we’ve never taken the time to renew our vows.

Probing her co-star on the subject, Hoda asked: ‘What do you think about the vow renewal?’

Jenna responded, “To every person their own path.” She wasn’t sure if this was something they should pursue. Instead, she felt that they continually chose each other through small daily actions.

‘In essence, it’s much like this – every day, you face a decision between finding humor in small annoyances or choosing to react negatively. It’s all about weighing your options and making that choice.’

Since Jenna and Henry exchanged vows in 2008, a great deal has evolved for them, with their family growing to include three kids. However, one constant element in their daily life that has persisted unaltered is the mattress they both use each evening.

Inside Jenna Bush Hager's 20-year relationship with husband Henry
Inside Jenna Bush Hager's 20-year relationship with husband Henry

Previously this year, Jenna confessed that she and Henry continue to share the very same mattress they purchased on installment plans at their wedding – and boasted about it as their “most significant financial commitment.

Incidentally, Henry and I purchased our wedding anniversary gift – a Tempur-Pedic bed known as “The Celebrity Bed” – the very first year we were wed. It’s been with us for nearly two decades now.

Hoda questioned, “Aren’t those grooves too pronounced?” To which Jenna responded, “Perhaps they are, but remember, that was our largest expense from whatever year it was. We made payments on it over time. Henry arranged a payment plan for our mattress.

Today, due to the arrival of their children – Mila born in April 2013, Poppy in August 2015, and more recently Hal in August 2019 – the couple have undoubtedly accumulated a lot more furniture.

However, Jenna turned crimson with embarrassment last November when she unintentionally called her spouse “daddy” during a live broadcast.

As the TV host chatted about her son Hal planning to don costumes of Guy Diamond and Tiny Diamond from the Trolls series alongside Henry, it was then that she committed an error.

Jenna mentioned that Hal wishes to be like Baby Diamond, with her being the first one referred to as ‘daddy’ on television, which caused Hoda to chuckle.

Hoda understood that if every word spoken within the confines of your home were voiced aloud publicly, it might make others perceive you as somewhat eccentric,” or more informally, “Hoda could see how people might think you’re a bit odd if they overheard all the things you say at home.

Inside Jenna Bush Hager's 20-year relationship with husband Henry

Jenna exclaimed, “Oh dear me,” as she covered her face with her hands, then repeated, “I mistakenly referred to my husband as ‘daddy.’ Could there be somewhere secluded where I might retreat for a moment or two to gather my thoughts?

However, on more than one occasion, she has made somewhat awkward comments about Henry, and recently, Jenna left Hoda speechless by disclosing the peculiar nickname her spouse would use for her.

The pair were discussing nicknames and when Jenna asked Hoda if she likes them, she replied: ‘Kind of, like usually… when I’m with… “honey, sweetie, blah blah”… when I was a kid they all called me Hodie, that was my nickname. Do you like a nickname?’  

In response, Jenna said, “Yes, I really like being called by a nickname!” Then, Hoda asked, “So, what name does Henry use for you?” To which, Jenna explained, “Well, he calls me ‘Shiny’.” This left Hoda looking puzzled.

Jenna affirmed with a nod, saying, ‘Yes, our feline companion was quite dazzling when we first met,’ then she shared that he now frequently calls her sweet names like ‘honey’ and ‘baby’, but the kids respond with a grimace and say, ‘Yuck!’ She casually mentioned that she refers to her husband of 16 years as ‘Hank.’

Yet, a pet name Jenna avoids referring to her husband, who holds the position of Managing Director at Waterous Energy Fund, is not “best friend.” In fact, she expressed some hesitation when Hoda once inquired about this particular term.

In September 2023, some TV personalities were discussing if it’s ideal for a partner to also be one’s best friend, while referencing an article from The Wall Street Journal on the subject.

Hoda posed this question to Jenna: “Is your spouse more like your closest friend?” To which Jenna hesitated momentarily as she contemplated her response to the somewhat intricate query.

Inside Jenna Bush Hager's 20-year relationship with husband Henry
Inside Jenna Bush Hager's 20-year relationship with husband Henry

She expressed her affection for Henry, chuckling, ‘I really love him, yet…’ She admitted, ‘He’s indeed one of my dearest friends, someone I cherish deeply. I truly adore him and share all my secrets with him. However, I prefer to be in romantic relationships with women. I deeply value my girlfriends.’

She pointed out that, given your shared living arrangements, it’s only natural for your partner to become one of your most trusted advisors, as you both spend a significant amount of time together and have frequent interactions with each other.

Jenna commented that what constitutes a ‘best friend’ can be quite subjective,” or “Jenna pointed out that the label ‘best friend’ can change from one day to another depending on the relationship.

Later, Hoda asked Jenna about the frequency of their daily conversations with her spouse, and she was taken aback by her response.

She mentioned that they had spoken earlier in the day. He usually rings her from the car on the way to school as a check-in. In total, they communicate around 10 times via calls or texts.

However, even though Jenna is usually very content, there are moments when she feels a twinge of jealousy, such as when she saw Henry spending time with Hoda in May.

On reminiscing about their work trip to Bermuda in May, Jenna disclosed that Henry accompanied them since it was their 16th wedding anniversary and they desired to awaken side by side on their special day.

Inside Jenna Bush Hager's 20-year relationship with husband Henry
Inside Jenna Bush Hager's 20-year relationship with husband Henry

Jenna mentioned that on her anniversary morning, she glanced out of the window and noticed that her husband wasn’t beside her, which made her wonder, “Where is Henry now?

She acknowledged that she was feeling a bit envious as she observed him and Hoda playing joyfully in the sea at sunrise!

She exclaimed, “I quickly put on my swimming attire and dashed right in!” was the response from mother-of-two Hoda, confirming, “Indeed, you did dive in!

However, though there have been brief instances of jealousy and a past confession about regretting not dating more during her youth, it’s evident that Jenna is incredibly content with Henry.

Regarding her partner earlier this year, the actress with blonde hair expressed happiness, saying: ‘It’s wonderful that I found the perfect match early on, and together we’ve created an amazing life. I take pride in what we’ve accomplished.’

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2024-10-05 23:26

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