Former First Daughter Jenna Bush Hager recently shared a lighthearted moment involving her father, former President George W. Bush, poking fun at her past indiscretion.
According to Daily Mail Online, the 42-year-old television personality revealed that her father playfully brought up her arrest for underage drinking from over two decades ago during a recent public event.
Bush Hager described the interaction as a "one-hour roast" where her father would intermittently bring up her past arrest while she attempted to moderate the event. The Today Show co-host seemed to take the jesting in stride, noting that it was "fun and funny" despite the potentially embarrassing subject matter.
During the event, which also included the presence of former President Barack Obama, George W. Bush reportedly interjected comments about his daughter's arrest between her attempts to ask questions and provide insights.
Bush Hager explained to her co-host Hoda Kotb that her father would interject with comments like, "Yeah Jen okay, why don't you tell everybody about the time you were arrested," causing laughter from both Hoda and the audience.
The former First Daughter admitted that the dynamic with her parents is "always really hilarious," highlighting the good-natured relationship she maintains with her family despite past controversies.
Interestingly, Bush Hager mentioned that former President Obama was present at the event and seemed sympathetic to her situation. She recounted Obama asking her: "How do you do that? Why do you come and do this?"
On a positive note, Hoda Kotb took the opportunity to compliment Bush Hager on her public speaking abilities. Kotb praised her co-host's skill in captivating audiences, noting that Bush Hager often enters speaking engagements uncertain but quickly wins over the crowd with her storytelling and unique approach.
Bush Hager humbly responded to the compliment, admitting that her speeches often involve a range of emotions, including tears, but that she ultimately finds the experiences enjoyable.
This is not the first time Bush Hager has addressed her past arrest on national television. In November 2023, she accused Today Show producers of attempting to shame her and her twin sister, Barbara, over their underage drinking incidents during a segment called "First Loves."
The Bush twins' brush with the law occurred in 2001 when they were freshmen in college, shortly after their father took office as President. Jenna was cited for possessing alcohol underage in April 2001 and again in May 2001 for attempting to purchase alcohol with her sister Barbara at a Mexican restaurant in Austin, Texas.
Bush Hager and her sister have been open about these incidents, even including them in their 2017 memoir, "Sisters First." Their willingness to discuss these past events publicly demonstrates a level of transparency and growth since their younger years.
Jenna Bush Hager's recent revelation about her father's playful teasing showcases the Bush family's ability to find humor in past mistakes. The incident, which occurred at a public event also attended by former President Obama, highlights the ongoing public interest in the lives of political families. Bush Hager's candid approach to discussing her past and her growth as a public speaker demonstrates her evolution from a presidential daughter to a respected television personality.
