Jenna Bush Hager, the beloved Today show co-host, is hinting at a new chapter in her life — one that may eventually lead her away from the bright lights of New York and back to the warm familiarity of her Texas roots. The 43-year-old journalist and author opened up during a recent episode of Today about her dreams for the future, sharing heartfelt reflections on family, home, and life’s ever-changing seasons.

“I have this sort of dream – I just think everybody should have chapters in their lives,” Jenna shared with her trademark warmth and sincerity. “I have a dream – I don’t know how realistic it is – but when the Jenna & Friends chapter comes to a close… I think it would be so nice to move back to Texas and let my kids – I went to a big public high school – have a different life.”

Her co-host Matt Rogers quickly interjected with surprise, asking why that chapter would ever have to end. But Jenna, always candid, laughed and replied, “Well… linear television, baby! Who knows? But when I’m ready to go to my next chapter…”

The comment struck a chord with viewers who have watched Jenna grow into one of morning television’s most relatable figures. Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Jenna’s connection to her home state runs deep. Though she’s now firmly established in New York with her husband Henry Hager and their three children — Mila, 13, Poppy, nine, and Hal, five — Texas still holds a special place in her heart. “Isn’t Austin great? I love Austin,” she said with a smile, echoing the sentiment of countless Texans who feel the same pull toward the Lone Star State.

 

Jenna’s affection for her roots has been evident throughout her career. She recently spoke with emotion about the devastating floods that hit Central Texas in July, particularly at Camp Mystic, a beloved all-girls Christian camp where her own mother, former First Lady Laura Bush, once worked as a counselor. At least 27 lives were lost in the tragedy. “Many of my friends had their kids there last week,” Jenna revealed somberly. “Texas is a resilient, incredible state. You all know I’m a homesick Texan living in New York, and it always is in my heart.”

She also reflected on the bittersweet experience of sending her own children to camp in Texas. “Putting them on the bus, saying goodbye to them… we send our kids into the world with faith that they can have happy lives. And as adults, we know pain — we hope our kids never face it.”

While her future may eventually lead her back to Austin, Jenna won’t leave the Today show without leaving a lasting mark. In addition to her warmth and humor on air, she’s built a powerful literary legacy through her Read With Jenna book club, which she launched in 2019. The club has evolved into Thousand Voices Media, her own publishing imprint, set to release eight books by female authors between Fall 2025 and Fall 2026.

 

“The mission of Thousand Voices Book is to pull up seats to the table for writers of all genres, from all walks of life,” Jenna said in an Instagram post. “We’re so excited to discover emerging talent from all over the world and share their stories.”

Whether she’s reading, hosting, or dreaming of home, Jenna Bush Hager remains a voice of authenticity — a woman who embraces change, honors her roots, and continues to inspire audiences as she writes her next chapter, one heartfelt page at a time.