Jenna Bush Hager’s Surprising Vow Renewal Stance Sparks Buzz

On the August 20, 2025, episode of Today With Jenna & Friends, NBC host Jenna Bush Hager dropped a bombshell about her 17-year marriage to Henry Chase Hager that left fans reeling. In a candid exchange with co-host Savannah Guthrie, Jenna declared she would “never” renew her wedding vows with her husband, citing a superstition tied to the infamous “Real Housewives vow renewal curse.” The revelation, delivered with her signature blend of humor and conviction, sparked widespread discussion, with viewers dissecting her reasoning and what it says about her marriage.

Jenna, 43, has been married to Henry since their 2008 wedding at her parents’ Prairie Chapel Ranch in Texas. Their relationship, marked by mutual support and three children, has long been a beacon of stability in the public eye. So when Savannah playfully asked if Jenna would consider a vow renewal to celebrate their enduring love, her swift response—“No. I don’t believe in [them]”—caught everyone off guard. She pointed to a pattern she’s observed among Real Housewives stars, where vow renewals often precede high-profile divorces. “You do a vow renewal, and two years later, you’re announcing your divorce,” she quipped, prompting laughter but also intrigue.

The “Real Housewives vow renewal curse” has become a pop culture phenomenon, with fans noting that couples like Kim Zolciak-Biermann and Kroy Biermann, Ramona and Mario Singer, and Shannon and David Beador split soon after public renewals. Jenna suggested that such ceremonies might signal underlying issues, joking that they could be “protesting too much.” When Savannah pressed, asking if vow renewals mask deeper problems, Jenna agreed, saying, “I think that could be it. I just think it’s too much.” Her comments struck a chord, resonating with viewers who’ve followed the reality TV divorces that fueled this theory.

While Jenna’s stance was lighthearted, it revealed a deeper layer of her personality: a blend of pragmatism and superstition. Despite her happy marriage, she’s unwilling to tempt fate by revisiting her vows. This contrasts with her otherwise open approach to sharing her life, from parenting anecdotes to professional milestones. The former first daughter, known for her warmth and relatability, has built a career on authenticity, making her admission all the more compelling. Fans on platforms like X praised her candor, with one user writing, “Jenna’s superstitious side is so relatable! Who knew she was Team No Vow Renewal?”

Not all vow renewals spell doom, however. Jenna acknowledged exceptions like Real Housewives of Potomac star Karen Huger, who renewed her vows in 2021 and dismissed the curse in an E! interview, saying, “If your relationship’s in trouble, it’s going to fall apart anyway.” Still, Jenna’s hesitation reflects a broader cultural fascination with superstitions around love and commitment. Her refusal to renew her vows isn’t a reflection of doubt in Henry but a playful nod to avoiding unnecessary risks.

The conversation has sparked broader questions about marriage rituals in the spotlight. For Jenna, who navigates fame with grace, the decision is personal yet resonates universally. Her marriage remains strong, but her superstition adds a layer of intrigue to her public persona. As fans continue to speculate, one thing is clear: Jenna Bush Hager’s candid revelation has cemented her as a voice of authenticity, unafraid to lean into her quirks—even if it means saying “never” to a vow renewal.