'Today': Jenna Bush Hager Shares She Nearly Changed Her Last Name

Jenna Bush Hager revealed that there was a time when she seriously considered abandoning her well-known family name. The conversation took place on the December 2 episode of Today With Jenna & Friends, during a discussion with guest host Scarlett Johansson about Millie Bobby Brown changing her name to Millie Bonnie Bongiovi after marrying Jake Bongiovi.

As the daughter of former President George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush, Jenna, along with her twin sister Barbara, carries a highly recognizable last name. Bush Hager admitted that her urge to shed the Bush surname first emerged in the early 2000s when she began teaching in Washington, D.C.

I went by Ms. Jenna because I didnt want them to know who I was, although, of course, they did, she said. I was ready to go by Hager. (She married Henry Hager in 2008.)

However, her perspective shifted once she started at the Today show. They reminded me I had written a book under Jenna Bush, and I thought, Okay, fine, she explained. They warned me people might not recognize me, which is funny since Ive been here for 15 years. I ended up using both names, and Im comfortable with it. I actually enjoy having both.

During the episode, Bush Hager asked Johansson if she had ever thought about changing her last name. The actress, married to Colin Jost, replied she had not. I recently asked my mother-in-law if she ever considered changing her name. She said, Oh, no. Never, Johansson recalled. She couldnt understand why anyone would do that.

Although Johansson acknowledged that changing a last name involves a lot of paperwork, she emphasized that its a personal choice. You do what feels right for you. No one should feel pressured either way, she stated.

Jenna Bush Hager has been in the public eye since her father became President in 2001. She joined Today as a correspondent and contributor before taking over Kathie Lee Giffords role on the fourth hour in 2019. Since Hoda Kotbs departure, she has continued hosting the segment, Jenna & Friends, alongside various celebrity guest hosts.

Recently, Bush Hager expressed surprise when her father appeared on Peyton and Eli Mannings Manningcast podcast, despite previously declining her invitation to cohost an episode of Jenna & Friends. I asked him to join as a friend, since he is my father, and he said he was retired. I was just as surprised as anyone to see him on the podcast, she shared.

While Al Roker suggested the possibility of the father-daughter duo hosting an episode from George Bushs Texas home, Jenna noted her father would likely decline. Im sure hell still say no. He jokes about not watching my show, she quipped.

Author: Chloe Ramirez