New York — In a candid revelation on the “Today” show, Jenna Bush Hager discussed her father’s lack of enthusiasm for her show, despite his unwavering support behind the scenes. Former President George W. Bush, known for his straightforwardness, humorously declined to appear on his daughter’s program, emphasizing his disinterest with a chuckle-inducing, “I don’t watch your dumb show.”
During the November 19, 2025 broadcast, Bush Hager, alongside colleagues Al Roker, Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, and Carson Daly, shared this personal anecdote. Daly noted that such honesty is a trait they all admire in the former president.
The amusing exchange came on the heels of George W. Bush’s unexpected participation in the “ManningCast” podcast earlier that week. Despite claiming retirement from television, he joined Peyton and Eli Manning from his art studio in Texas. He kept the mood light, joking about his brief preparation for the interview and his unfamiliarity with seeing the Manning brothers off the football field.
Attempting to persuade the former president to join the “Today” show, Roker suggested they could even make the trip to Texas. When Bush Hager questioned the feasibility, Melvin humorously posited that the budget could stretch for a former president, and Roker volunteered to go as far as using iPhones to make it happen.
Despite these playful on-air strategies, Bush has shown deep support for his daughter’s professional endeavors. This was highlighted when her co-host Hoda Kotb departed the show after 26 years. An emotional Bush Hager sought reassurance from her father, who comforted her by affirming it was her time to shine. During a September 2024 episode, she recounted this heartfelt advice, earning applause from Kotb herself.
Moreover, the former president has not shied away from expressing his pride in Bush Hager’s achievements on previous “Today” show appearances. While he may not watch every episode, he has repeatedly emphasized his admiration when he does tune in.
Bush Hager’s career at the “Today” show has spanned over 16 years, recently taking a central role hosting “Today with Jenna & Friends.” While her mother, Laura Bush, and twin sister, Barbara Bush, have appeared on the show, her father has remained a notable absentee.
On one occasion in October, guest host Justin Sylvester shared that they nearly had George W. Bush on the show via telephone, highlighting Bush’s playful readiness to “get the party started.” This comment reflects the former president’s endearing support, even if from afar.
The broadcast schedule for “Today with Jenna & Friends” continues during the fourth hour at 10 a.m. Eastern Time every weekday, with Jenna Bush Hager firmly established as a significant presence in morning television. Her father, however, seems content with his sporadic, humorous stints outside the regular television circuit, enjoying his retirement while supporting his daughter’s growing legacy from the sidelines.