Jenna Bush Hager’s Surprising ‘Next Chapter’ Plans After the Today Show

Jenna Bush Hager, the vibrant co-host of NBC’s Today with Hoda & Friends, recently shared a glimpse into her envisioned “next chapter” during a heartfelt segment on the show. Her candid remarks about life after the Today Show caught fans off guard, revealing a future that diverges from the glitz of linear television and leans into a simpler, more grounded existence. While her current role keeps her in the heart of New York’s media scene, Jenna’s aspirations point toward a return to her roots in Austin, Texas, where she hopes to give her children a different kind of life.

During Wednesday’s episode, Jenna opened up about her dreams for the future, emphasizing the importance of life’s chapters. “I just think everybody should have chapters in their lives,” she said, sparking curiosity among viewers. When guest co-host Matt Rogers playfully questioned why she’d ever leave, Jenna quipped, “Well… linear television, baby!” Her lighthearted yet pointed remark hinted at the uncertainties of the media landscape and her readiness to embrace change when the time comes. For a personality as beloved as Jenna, this openness about moving on was both surprising and refreshing.

The daughter of former President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush, Jenna grew up in Austin, Texas, attending a large public high school—a stark contrast to the urban upbringing her three children, Mila, Poppy, and Hal, experience in New York with her husband, Henry Hager. Jenna expressed a deep desire to return to her hometown, envisioning a life where her kids could enjoy the same kind of community-driven, open-spaced childhood she cherished. “I love Austin,” she raved on air, her enthusiasm for the city palpable. This longing to reconnect with her Texas roots resonated with fans who admire her authenticity.

Jenna’s connection to Texas isn’t just nostalgic; it’s a cornerstone of her parenting philosophy. She revealed that she and Henry send their children to summer camps in Texas, specifically in Kerrville, to immerse them in the state’s unique culture. When Henry once asked why they sent their kids so far for camp, Jenna’s response was heartfelt: “Because of the love that’s there.” She described Texas camps as “institutions,” underscoring their role in fostering connection and tradition—values she hopes to pass on to her children.

Since joining the Today Show as a correspondent in 2009, Jenna has become a familiar face to millions. Her promotion to co-anchor of the fourth hour alongside Hoda Kotb in 2019 solidified her as a key figure in morning television. However, Hoda’s departure in January 2025 left Jenna navigating a transitional period, hosting alongside a rotating roster of celebrity guests while NBC searches for a permanent co-host. “We’re still searching,” Jenna told People in June, emphasizing her desire for a partner who fits the show’s familial vibe. This uncertainty may have prompted her reflections on what lies ahead.

While Jenna’s immediate future remains tied to the Today Show, her vision for life after television is a bold departure from the spotlight. Moving back to Austin would mark a return to her roots, offering her family a slower pace and a chance to embrace the community she holds dear. Fans were surprised by her willingness to step away from the high-profile world of media, yet her plans reflect a grounded perspective that prioritizes family and personal fulfillment over fame.

Jenna’s openness about her “next chapter” has sparked intrigue among viewers, who are accustomed to seeing her as a fixture on their screens. Her dream of returning to Texas and giving her children a taste of her own upbringing reveals a side of Jenna that’s relatable and forward-thinking. As she continues to navigate her role on the Today Show, her fans are left wondering when—and how—this next chapter will unfold.