Jenna Bush Hager Reveals Fears Over Husband Henry’s Reaction to Today Co-Star
Jenna Bush Hager has seamlessly taken the reins of Today with Jenna & Friends following the departure of longtime co-host Hoda Kotb.
Since stepping into her new role, Jenna has been joined by a rotating lineup of celebrity guest hosts, including Amy Poehler, Taraji P. Henson, Chloe Fineman, and Ciara.
However, one guest in particular stood out—Scarlett Johansson.
The Black Widow actress co-hosted alongside Jenna for an entire week, quickly winning over fans with her natural chemistry with the former First Daughter.
But while audiences loved their dynamic, Jenna admitted she had a surprising concern before the partnership began—
she thought her husband, Henry Hager, might be the one most captivated by Scarlett.
Jenna’s Unexpected Reaction to Scarlett Johansson
Speaking at a recent Read with Jenna event, Jenna revealed her initial fears about her husband’s reaction to her temporary co-host. Given Scarlett’s Hollywood status and undeniable charm, she assumed Henry might be a little starstruck. However, the reality turned out quite different.
“I thought it was my husband that was going to fall in love with her, but it turns out it was me,” Jenna joked.
It didn’t take long for the two women to form a genuine friendship. Their on-screen camaraderie was evident, and they even took their bond a step further by getting matching piercings live on air. The spontaneous decision stemmed from their shared love for body piercings, though both admitted the experience was more painful than expected.
Scarlett’s Experience on Today
Despite being an A-list actress with years of experience in front of the camera, Scarlett was thrilled by the opportunity to co-host Today. She expressed her excitement over the experience, revealing that it fulfilled a childhood dream of hers.
“I was saying to Jenna earlier, it’s like that thing that I imagined as a 10-year-old: Some day I’m going to be on a daytime show and meet all of these amazing people,” Scarlett shared.
She was also taken aback by how much attention her stint on the show garnered, adding, “I’ve literally walked down the street and have gotten more traction from guest hosting the Today show than any other project that I’ve done!”
It wasn’t just the audience that embraced Scarlett—Jenna and the Today team were equally enthusiastic about having her on board. Jenna praised her as a natural fit, emphasizing her curiosity and strong listening skills, both essential traits for a successful talk show host.
“She’s so naturally curious. I know that from hanging with her. And she’s a good listener. And that’s part of how you do this job. So I knew she’d be good,” Jenna said.
A New Chapter for Jenna on Today
While Jenna has been a staple on Today for years, her new role as the lead host of the fourth hour has been a significant transition. The revamped show, now featuring a rotating cast of celebrity co-hosts, has injected fresh energy into the program. Scarlett’s week-long guest spot was a standout moment, with many fans hoping she’ll return in the future.
As Jenna settles into her new responsibilities, she’s embracing the unpredictability that comes with different co-hosts. She even joked about potentially trying her hand at weather reporting, teasing longtime Today meteorologist Al Roker.
“I told Al I’m coming after his job,” she quipped. “If I ever did weather for the week, it would be bad. ‘It looks cold,’ meanwhile, it’s the hottest weather they’ve ever had.”
Looking Ahead
While Hoda Kotb’s presence is still missed on Today, Jenna has brought her own unique energy to the show. Her ability to connect with co-hosts and viewers alike has made the transition a smooth one, and Scarlett Johansson’s week-long stint was just one example of the exciting new direction the show is taking.
As for Henry Hager’s reaction to Scarlett? While he may not have been as smitten as Jenna initially feared, there’s no doubt he’s proud of his wife’s growing success on Today.
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