Jenna Bush Hager, the vibrant co-host of Today with Jenna and Friends, recently shared an intimate glimpse into her marriage with husband Henry Hager, revealing how they prioritize their relationship amidst the whirlwind of parenting and professional life. At 43, the mother of three—Mila, 11, Poppy, 9, and Hal, 5—opened up during a candid conversation with guest co-host Olivia Munn, 44, about the necessity of scheduling intimate time with her husband, Henry, 46. Her honesty about maintaining closeness in a bustling household has resonated with many, shedding light on the realities of balancing love, family, and career.
The discussion began when Munn referenced a story about Maury Povich and Connie Chung, who reportedly schedule intimacy for weekends. When asked if she and Henry follow a similar approach, Jenna admitted, “When you have multiple children, you’ll see, sometimes you have to.” She explained that with young children constantly demanding attention, spontaneity often takes a backseat. “I don’t love it,” she confessed, “but otherwise, it doesn’t happen the way it used to. There’s people everywhere pulling on you.” Her transparency struck a chord, highlighting a common challenge for parents juggling busy lives.
Jenna’s openness extended beyond her marriage. She reflected on how her perspective on parenting has evolved, particularly in overcoming “mom guilt.” In an interview with Parents, she shared, “I just realized that mom guilt is not beneficial and all it does is make you feel bad.” Instead, she focuses on being present with her children when together and enjoying her time apart from them. This mindset shift has allowed her to embrace both her role as a mother and her individual pursuits, including her demanding career as a television host and author.
As the daughter of former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush, Jenna draws inspiration from her parents’ approach to raising independent children. She strives to instill the same independence in Mila, Poppy, and Hal. “I’m not going to be part of all of her memories, and nor should I,” she said of her eldest daughter, Mila. “I want to give my kids as much independence as possible, in a safe way, so they can stand on their own two feet.” This philosophy, rooted in her own upbringing, underscores her commitment to fostering resilience in her children.
Jenna’s lighthearted anecdotes also reveal her playful side. During a recent Today episode, she shared a quirky childhood memory of crawling around like a cat, insisting her parents call her “Rose bud” while dubbing her mother “Marmalade” and her father “Tummy Tuff.” This feline fascination has carried into adulthood, with Jenna jokingly describing herself as “100 percent cat” due to her love for lounging, napping, and reading. She even proudly noted that she’s converted Henry, a former non-cat person, into a cat enthusiast.
Her ability to find humor and authenticity in both her personal and professional life has endeared Jenna to fans. By sharing the realities of scheduling intimacy, overcoming mom guilt, and embracing her “cat-like” personality, she offers a relatable perspective on modern womanhood. Jenna’s story is a reminder that maintaining a strong marriage and raising independent children require intention, balance, and a willingness to adapt. As she navigates the complexities of family life, her candor continues to inspire others to find joy in the chaos and prioritize what truly matters.
