Get ready to dive into the fascinating lives of Barbara Pierce Bush and Jenna Bush Hager, the twin daughters of former US President George W. Bush. These sisters have carved their own paths, leaving a lasting impact on the media landscape and beyond.
A Legacy of Leadership
From 2001 to 2009, the Bush family represented the nation's values and ideals, with George W. Bush's presidency taking center stage. Accompanying him were his wife, First Lady Laura Bush, and their twin daughters, Barbara and Jenna. Despite some youthful indiscretions, these sisters have grown into successful media personalities and built their own families.
Fraternal Twins, Unique Paths
Born on November 25, 1981, Barbara and Jenna, now 43, were raised in Midland, Texas. They spent their childhood between the White House, where their grandfather and father served as presidents, and the family's vacation home, Prairie Chapel Ranch.
Each twin has found her own unique way to shine in the public eye. Through TV appearances, authorship, and their family legacy, they've left an indelible mark. Let's explore their journeys further.
Barbara Pierce Bush: A Force for Good
After graduating from Yale and earning an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School, Barbara dedicated herself to aiding AIDS patients in Africa. This passion emerged when she joined her family in launching the Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief. She also worked with prestigious institutions like the Cooper Hewitt and Smithsonian Design Museums.
In 2009, Barbara and Jenna co-founded Global Health Corps, a nonprofit organization that Barbara now leads as its president. She served as CEO for the first nine years and remains on the board of directors. Global Health Corps describes itself as a "leadership accelerator" focused on strengthening the network of frontline healthcare workers. With over 1200 members, it's a powerful force for health equity.
Barbara's commitment to public service extends beyond Global Health Corps. She serves on various boards, including Partners In Health and Friends of the Global Fight for AIDS, TB, and Malaria. Despite identifying as independents, she endorsed and campaigned for Kamala Harris in the most recent presidential election.
On the personal front, Barbara married screenwriter Craig Louis Coyne in 2018 after a brief courtship. Their intimate wedding ceremony, attended by just 20 guests, was primarily to accommodate her grandfather, George H.W. Bush, who passed away a month later. The couple welcomed daughter Cora in September 2021 and son Edward in August 2024.
Jenna Bush Hager: A Teacher Turned TV Star
Following her graduation from the University of Texas at Austin, Jenna dedicated herself to teaching. She worked at the Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School for a year and a half and collaborated with UNICEF and a charter school in Baltimore. Jenna also turned her hand to writing, authoring the non-fiction book "Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope" in 2007.
In 2009, Jenna joined NBC as a correspondent, starting as a contributor to the TODAY Show. She frequently filled in as a morning correspondent during the prime 7-9 AM hours and stepped in for Kathie Lee Gifford or Hoda Kotb on the Fourth Hour of TODAY. In 2019, she became Kathie Lee's replacement on the Fourth Hour, leading to the show's rebranding as "TODAY with Hoda and Jenna."
Jenna and Hoda's partnership lasted five years, during which they navigated motherhood, personal challenges, and even co-authored several children's books. In January 2025, Hoda's departure led to another rebranding, "TODAY with Jenna & Friends," featuring a rotating list of co-anchors, including Jenna's family members.
Jenna met her husband, Henry Chase Hager, during her father's presidential campaign in 2004. The couple tied the knot in 2008 at Prairie Chapel Ranch and have since welcomed daughters Mila (born in April 2013) and Poppy (born in August 2015), and a son, Hal (born in August 2019).
The lives of Barbara and Jenna Bush Hager are a testament to the power of individual agency and the impact one can have beyond the shadow of a famous family name. Their stories inspire and remind us that everyone has the potential to leave their unique mark on the world.
