“That’s All That Really Matters”: Jenna Bush Hager in Tears as Laura Bush Surprises Her with a Heartfelt Message for the 5th Anniversary of Read with Jenna

It was supposed to be a morning of celebration.
But for Jenna Bush Hager, it became something far more emotional — a moment of love, pride, and reflection that brought The Today Show audience — and Jenna herself — to tears.

On a sunny morning on the Today Plaza, Jenna’s co-hosts Hoda Kotb, Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Carson Daly gathered to mark a major milestone: five years of the “Read with Jenna” book club, a movement that has quietly transformed the nation’s reading habits and revived the power of storytelling in the digital age.

What began in 2019 as a small monthly book pick has grown into a cultural phenomenon — one that connects readers across generations, backgrounds, and even continents. And this anniversary celebration was designed to reflect that community spirit.

A Celebration of Reading — and a Touching Surprise

As the cameras rolled, the Plaza buzzed with energy. Dozens of authors whose works had been featured by Read with Jenna joined the show, helping assemble book packages bound for libraries in all 50 states. The books were arranged in a giant “5,” symbolizing five years of shared stories, laughter, and lessons.

Then came the surprise.

“Take a look at this,” Hoda said with a knowing smile.

The giant screen lit up — and there she was.
Former First Lady Laura Bush, radiant and poised, appearing from her Dallas home with a heartfelt message that would leave her daughter speechless.

“Hi Jenna,” Laura began, her voice soft and steady. “As we celebrate Read Across America Day, I want to congratulate you on five years of the Read with Jenna book club. You’ve inspired more Americans to fall in love with reading, and I couldn’t be prouder.”

The words hit Jenna instantly. Her eyes filled with tears as her co-hosts looked on with smiles of their own. The moment was intimate, unfiltered, and deeply human — a reminder that behind the polished smiles and morning-show banter, family still comes first.

“That’s What Reading Does for Your Skin”

As the video ended with Laura Bush’s simple, heartfelt “Love you,” Jenna laughed through tears, visibly moved.

Carson Daly broke the silence first. “She looks beautiful,” he said admiringly.

Without missing a beat, Jenna wiped her eyes and grinned. “That’s what reading does for your skin,” she joked, sending the crowd into laughter.

The exchange perfectly captured what audiences love most about Jenna Bush Hager — her humor, her warmth, and her ability to find light even in the most emotional moments.

Hoda leaned in, visibly touched. “You’ve created a juggernaut,” she said. “You’ve helped people fall in love with books again. When I see that ‘Read with Jenna’ sticker on a book, I want it.”

Craig Melvin nodded in agreement. “You helped get America reading again,” he said simply.

From Book Lover to Book Leader

Five years, 63 selections, and millions of readers later — Read with Jenna has become more than a book club. It’s a cultural movement.

Of Jenna’s 63 chosen titles, 41 have become New York Times bestsellers, and 32 have been adapted for film or television. Publishers have dubbed it “the Jenna Effect” — a phenomenon in which her endorsement can instantly propel a book into the national spotlight.

Independent bookstores, including McNally Jackson in New York, joined the celebration by displaying every Read with Jenna pick in their front windows. Some even hosted “Read with Jenna” nights, where readers shared their favorite titles and discussed how the books had changed their perspectives.

When asked about her success, Jenna’s answer was characteristically humble.

“I’m really proud of the community of readers who get to share these stories,” she said. “It’s pretty incredible.”

A Legacy of Literacy

The emotional moment between Jenna and her mother wasn’t just about family pride — it was about legacy.

Before she was the First Lady, Laura Bush was a librarian and teacher. She spent decades championing literacy initiatives, believing that books are “the foundation of freedom and imagination.” That passion clearly rubbed off on her daughter.

In many ways, Read with Jenna feels like a continuation of Laura Bush’s lifelong mission — a new generation carrying forward the same message: that stories have the power to unite us.

Jenna has often spoken about growing up in a home where books were treasured. The Bush family library was more than a collection of pages — it was a world of possibilities.

“I grew up watching my mom read every night,” Jenna once said. “She showed me that reading isn’t just something you do — it’s something that shapes who you are.”

That philosophy has shaped her career as well. Through The Today Show, Jenna has used her platform to make reading accessible, inclusive, and joyful. Her selections range from debut novels to diverse voices and global stories, each one handpicked for its emotional resonance.

Jenna’s Five Favorites

During the anniversary celebration, Jenna revealed the five books that hold the deepest meaning for her — works she says have offered “escape, comfort, and perspective” through every stage of her life:

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

“These are my escapes from everyday life,” Jenna said with a smile. “They remind me that even when the world feels complicated, stories can help us understand each other better.”

A Moment Between Mother and Daughter

As the segment wound down, the camera returned to Jenna, still visibly emotional.

She took a deep breath, her voice trembling but steady.

“Never thought I’d cry over my own book club,” she said softly, “but if my mom says she’s proud — that’s all that really matters.”

It was the kind of unscripted moment that morning TV rarely captures anymore — raw, real, and deeply human.

Viewers across the country felt it too. Social media filled with messages of love and gratitude, from longtime fans to first-time viewers who simply wanted to say “thank you” for making reading cool again.

Five Years of Connection — and Counting

As Read with Jenna enters its next chapter, it’s clear that its impact extends far beyond bestseller lists. It’s about connection — between authors and readers, between strangers who share the same favorite book, and between a mother and daughter whose shared love of reading has touched millions.

For Jenna Bush Hager, the fifth anniversary wasn’t just a celebration of success. It was a reminder of where it all began — in a home filled with books, love, and a mother who believed in the power of words.

And as the final moments of the segment faded, one line seemed to sum it all up — a daughter smiling through tears, her voice soft but sure:

“Books brought us together — and they still do.”