Jenna Bush Hager Joins Today As Correspondent
Jenna Bush Hager
Former first daughter Jenna Bush Hager has been named a new correspondent for Today.
The 27-year-old daughter of President George W. Bush will contribute stories about once a month, Today executive producer Jim Bell told The Associated Press.
Hager, who is currently teaching in Baltimore, said she always wanted to write and teach, but never saw herself on TV. "It wasn't something I'd always dreamed to do," she said. "But I think one of the most important things in life is to be open-minded and to be open-minded for change."
Hager has authored two books, both of which she promoted on Today. It was during Hager's segment to promote Ana's Story: A Journey of Hope, her book about an HIV-infected single mother, that Bell got the idea to hire her as a correspondent. Bell said she had a "natural presence" and comfort level on the air that the producers liked.
"I think she can handle it," Bell said. "I think she knows something about pressure and being under some scrutiny. When she came here for a handful of appearances, she knocked it out of the park."
Hager will continue teaching part-time. Her first segment for the show should be on the air within the next month, Bell said. Hager said she wants to concentrate on education.
"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," she said.
