Jenna Bush Hager's Stunning Transformation Since Leaving The White House

Jenna Bush Hager left the White House with her famous family in 2009 to make way for the Obamas (which later led to a stunning transformation from Malia Obama). But the former first daughter — who calls former president George W. Bush and ex-first lady Laura Bush her parents — admitted to "Today" it wasn't easy moving out of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. "I think there is a real sadness leaving the White House, that we didn't expect. We were saying goodbye to people that we'd come to love, even the Secret Service, you know?" she shared. The TV personality also admitted it was difficult to see her mom and dad pack up their belongings. "Watching your parents end a chapter of their lives that so defined them and took so much out of them was hard and bittersweet in different ways," she said.

But, as hard as she may have found saying goodbye to one of the most famous buildings in the world, she's come a seriously long way since then. Bush Hager has built herself a life and career anyone would be proud of — and she's achieved a heck of a lot. She's welcomed three beautiful children and cemented her place as a staple of morning TV as a regular "Today" contributor turned co-host, and her stunning transformation is nothing short of presidential.

In August 2009, just a few months after leaving the White House, Jenna Bush Hager officially joined the NBC family as a "Today" correspondent. "It wasn't something I'd always dreamed to do. But I think one of the most important things in life is to be open-minded and to be open-minded for change," she told "Today" of the bold career move. "I hope to focus on what I'm passionate about because I think I'd do the best job on them — education, urban education, women and children's issues and literacy," Bush Hager, who previously worked as a teacher, said. She officially moved to New York the following year.

Three years into her work on the morning show, the ex-first daughter's career continued to go from strength-to-strength. In addition to her "Today" duties, she became editor-at-large of Southern Living. "I'm excited to interview influential Southerners, explore iconic places, and show how the next generation of women entertain," she said in a statement (via USA Today).

Jenna Bush Hager entered a new phase of her life in 2013 when she became a mom. The star welcomed daughter Margaret Laura "Mila" Hager with her husband Henry Chase Hager, and her famous parents confirmed the exciting news, as well as the reason for her name, on Facebook. "[She] is named for her grandmothers," the former president and first lady confirmed. Two years later, Jenna and Henry welcomed their second child, a daughter named Poppy Louise Hager. The duo confirmed her birth in a statement to People, sharing, "Poppy is named after Jenna's grandfather, George Herbert Walker 'Poppy' Bush, aka Gampy ... Louise is in honor of our grandmothers' middle names, Louise and Lewis," the couple shared.

In summer 2019, the happy couple were blessed again when they welcomed their first son Hal, who was also poignantly named. "He is named Henry after many on his father's side including his dear dad and his paternal grandfather," Bush Hager said in a statement shared with People. "Harold comes from my maternal grandfather, Pa, who I loved dearly and was unable to keep a son long enough to name."

Jenna Bush Hager received a huge promotion in 2019 when she landed the coveted role of Hoda Kotb's co-host during the fourth hour of "Today" following Kathie Lee Gifford's departure. "[Bush Hager's] compassion and curiosity come through in all of her stories, along with her Texas-sized sense of humor," NBC News President Noah Oppenheim wrote in an internal memo confirming the news (via Page Six).

The same year, Bush Hager put her passion for reading to good use when she launched her own book club, Read With Jenna. "I love book recommendations from my family and friends. So to have that same community with the 'Today' show viewers I think is going to be really fun," she told "Today." The popular book club has highlighted a wide array of books since its conception, with Read With Jenna recommending everything from feel good picks to one of Jenna Bush Hager's favorite popular romance novels.

Jenna Bush Hager's life and career isn't the only thing that's changed drastically since her time in the White House. Hoda Kotb pointed out that viewers noticed Bush Hager looked different on "Today" in early 2022. "People have noticed that there's like a transformation that's been happening with you," she said. "[Viewers] are just saying, 'Jen is looking amazing. She's never looked this good.'"

Jenna revealed she'd been working hard on her fitness for six months, sharing, "I think I've figured out what kind of works for me." She confirmed she was working with a trainer, noting, "The difference is, I wake up before the show and workout — and really workout." We loved that the star set realistic expectations for herself and anyone looking up to her, too. "It just takes time, and you have to give yourself that grace, because my body isn't 18 anymore," she said.

In 2023, Jenna Bush Hager took another step to become a multi-hyphenate. She added "podcast host" to her already extensive list of credentials when she launched the "Read With Jenna" podcast, which saw her conduct in-depth interviews with authors. "I love talking with authors — hearing about the inspirations for their books, their process, who they were as kids and who they are now. I can't wait to bring their stories to as many listeners as possible," she said in a statement (via Parade).

The Texas native was also ready for a physical evolution after years of rocking just past shoulder-length, warm-blond tresses. In 2025, Jenna Bush Hager had a drastic hair transformation when she said goodbye to her signature cut in favor of a chic, blunt bob inspired by Leslie Bibb's in Season 3 of "The White Lotus." Her hairstylist chopped several inches off her locks live on "Today," giving Bush Hager a sophisticated, light-blond, shoulder-skimming 'do.