Jenna Bush Hager may have never become one of morning television’s most familiar faces without the gentle encouragement of her famous grandparents, former President George H.W. Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush. During the May 21 episode of NBC’s Today With Jenna & Sheinelle, Hager opened up about how their advice led her to join the iconic morning show.

At the time, Hager was working as a teacher and loved her job, turning down opportunities to meet with NBC about a role on Today. Reflecting on that period, she explained, “For years, I said no to even taking a meeting. I really liked my job and didn’t think I needed anything else.”

It was during a summer visit with her grandparents that the subject came up. “I told them, ‘The Today show keeps calling and asking me to take the meeting,’” Hager recalled. Barbara Bush encouraged her, saying, “You always take the meeting. I don’t know why you’ve said no for two years, but you always go take that meeting.”

The advice resonated with Hager, helping her realize she had been mistaken to avoid the opportunity. “My grandpa asked, ‘Do you watch it?’ I said, ‘No, I go to school at 6:30 a.m.’ So we watched it together, the three of us,” she said.

After years teaching in Washington, D.C., Hager joined Today as a correspondent in 2009. A decade later, she became the co-host of the fourth hour with Hoda Kotb, and later led Today With Jenna & Friends following Kotb’s departure in January 2025, before Sheinelle Jones officially became her permanent co-host.

Jones shared her own story, recalling how her late grandmother inspired her to pursue a career in broadcasting. “She lit up and asked me, ‘If you wanted to be a news reporter, what would you need to do?’ Her excitement made me keep pursuing my dream,” Jones explained.

Hager reflected on the connection, telling Jones, “She probably saw that in you. She probably knew you were curious and would be good at it. I love that.” Jones concluded, reminding viewers, “When someone tells you something, be affirmative.”

The episode highlighted how encouragement from loved ones can steer life-changing decisions and set the stage for success on one of television’s most-watched morning programs.