In a playful twist that caught viewers off guard, Jenna Bush Hager reached for the phone and dialed her father, former President George W. Bush while the TODAY show was rolling. The impromptu call was prompted by co-host Sheinelle Jones, who reminded the audience of a 2007 Ellen DeGeneres clip where Jenna once managed to place her dad on air. On September 17, the moment was revived, and Jenna announced, “You’re on TV, Dad,” prompting a deadpan reply from Bush: “I’ve been trying to avoid that.” The exchange set a light-hearted tone that quickly evolved into something more unexpected.
The surprise request and the upcoming art book
Rather than simply buzzing off, the 80-year-old former commander-in-chief seized the chance to drop a personal favor. He disclosed that a new illustrated volume, slated for a March 2027 release, would soon bear the title The Call of Freedom. The book is described as an art collection featuring portraiture of notable political prisoners, each painted by Bush himself. “I’m glad you called because I don’t know if you know this or not, but I’ve got a book coming out next March,” he said, sliding the request into the conversation. He then nudged Jenna, the creator of the popular “Read with Jenna” book club, to help promote the project, hinting that a segment on TODAY could boost visibility.
Jenna, ever the quick-wit, asked whether her dad would appear on the show to discuss his artwork. Bush demurred, joking that a full-scale appearance was doubtful but offering a playful alternative: “Why don’t you and Michelle come down…?” The mix-up—confusing Sheinelle with former first lady Michelle—prompted laughter from both sides and showcased Bush’s willingness to keep the banter alive. Sheinelle, ever supportive, floated the idea of featuring the volume as a book-club pick, only to be met with a fond “I don’t think so, but I love you.” The brief dialogue closed on a warm note, with Bush extending thanks to Sheinelle for her friendship with Jenna and reaffirming his pride in being a dad.
Reflection on 9/11 and family connections
Later in the same episode, the conversation shifted to a more solemn recollection. Jenna opened up about the September 11, 2001 attacks, explaining that she was a sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin when the towers fell. She admitted she spent the entire day unable to reach either of her parents, noting the era’s limited mobile technology: “We didn’t have cell phones like this. We had Nokias.” The uncertainty lingered until she finally heard from both George and former first lady Laura Bush, a moment she described as both a relief and a stark reminder of how many peers never got that chance.
Jenna also shared her twin sister Barbara’s experience that day. While Barbara was studying at Yale, close to New York City, a Secret Service detail escorted her away from the chaos and placed her in a nearby motel, where an agent stayed with her throughout the night. The contrast between the personal safety offered to the Bush children and the nationwide tragedy highlighted the president’s unique position. Jenna summed up the memory with a mix of gratitude and perspective, noting how the day underscored both the fragility and resilience of the nation.
By weaving together humor, a sneak peek at an upcoming art project, and a heartfelt look back at a defining national moment, the TODAY segment delivered a multi-layered portrait of a family navigating public life. Jenna’s spontaneous call not only gave viewers a glimpse of father-daughter chemistry but also reminded audiences of the human side of a former commander-in-chief, still capable of improv, art, and poignant reflection.
