Jenna Bush Hager’s Heartfelt Reflections: Regrets, Family, and a Touching Word from Savannah Guthrie

In the cozy glow of NBC’s Today with Jenna & Friends studio, Jenna Bush Hager bared her soul on October 3, 2025, in a conversation that blended humor, heartache, and hard-won wisdom. The 43-year-old co-host, daughter of former President George W. Bush, opened up about a lingering regret: her wish for a fourth child with husband Henry Hager. “I would have had 22 children… not 22,” she joked, quickly clarifying with a laugh, “I had three, which feels like 21. I would have had one more. I would have rounded that out.” The admission, delivered with her signature blend of wit and warmth, struck a chord with viewers tuning in for their daily dose of morning inspiration. But what truly moved Jenna—and the audience—was a heartfelt piece of advice from her close friend and co-host, Savannah Guthrie, a reminder of the profound bond that makes their on-air chemistry so magnetic.

Jenna’s family life has always been a cornerstone of her public persona. Married to Henry since 2008, the couple shares three vibrant children: daughters Mila, 12, and Poppy, 10, and son Hal, 6. Their home in New York City buzzes with the chaos of school runs, bedtime stories, and the occasional White House visit from extended family. Yet, Jenna confessed that contentment with two kids evaporated after a surprising encounter with Hollywood medium Tyler Henry on the show years ago. “We kind of thought we were going to have two kids, and once he said that, and once I told my husband, I was like, ‘I kind of want that,’” she recalled. “All I had to sort of think was, ‘I want that.’” The prediction of a baby boy came true with Hal’s arrival in 2019, but it also planted a seed for more—a dream that now feels out of reach. “Yeah, it’s probably too late. It feels like that ship has sailed,” Jenna sighed, her eyes misty as guest co-host Justin Sylvester quipped, “It’s never too late, though!”

Her candor underscores a deeper gratitude amid vulnerability. Jenna comes from a lineage of women who battled infertility—her mother, Laura Bush, endured two miscarriages before welcoming twins Jenna and Barbara, while grandmother Barbara Bush faced her own struggles. “I come from a long line of women that had major infertility issues, so I know how lucky I am,” she shared, her voice thick with appreciation. For Jenna, three children are a “blessing,” an “imperfect number” that’s perfect for their household. Hal, the unexpected joy, has become the glue, his boundless energy ensuring no day is dull. “You still have to come over and babysit that little guy! He’s going to give you a run for your money,” she teased Justin, highlighting how even unplanned additions reshape a family’s heart.

The conversation turned profoundly touching when Savannah Guthrie, 53, joined as a guest co-host the day prior, offering advice that left Jenna visibly moved. Drawing from her own journey—mother to daughter Vale, 10, and son Charley, 8, with husband Michael Feldman—Savannah shared a dream she’d had about Jenna expecting baby number four. “I had a dream last week that you were having baby number four,” she revealed with a playful grin, before turning earnest. “It’s very normal… I think they call it ‘being broody.’ You’re kind of broody for a third or a fourth. I would have had a third in a heartbeat, but, you know, I was up against the clock.” The words resonated deeply, validating Jenna’s “broody” feelings while acknowledging the biological realities many women face. As godmothers to each other’s children—Jenna to Vale, Savannah to Hal—their bond transcends the studio, a sisterhood forged in shared milestones and mutual support.

Savannah’s empathy struck a chord, prompting Jenna to reflect on the fleeting magic of motherhood. “Even though I didn’t see my youngest child coming, now, I can’t picture my life without him,” she said, echoing Savannah’s sentiment about cherishing what you have. The exchange, laced with laughter and tears, highlighted their unbreakable friendship—one that’s weathered professional highs, like Savannah’s book Mostly What God Does Is Love You, and personal lows, including Jenna’s family fertility history. It’s this authenticity that makes Today a morning ritual for millions, blending celebrity with relatability.

As Jenna navigates her “imperfectly perfect” family of five, her regret isn’t sorrowful—it’s a celebration of abundance. In a world that often measures worth by numbers, her story reminds us that love multiplies in unexpected ways. With Savannah’s wisdom as her compass, Jenna’s ready to embrace the chapters ahead, one heartfelt broadcast at a time.