Hey everyone! You know Jenna Bush Hager right? Well guess what this week she is joined on "TODAY with Jenna & Friends" by her twin sister Barbara Pierce Bush! And things got pretty funny and pretty real pretty fast. They talked about everything from birthday party drama (yes even twins have it!) to their super sweet new children's book . Let's dive into what the Bush twins have been up to lately.
Birthday Party Blunder? Jenna Bush Hager Admits She Didn't Invite Barbara! (Oops!)
So it all started with a viewer question during Jenna's "Social Dilemmas" segment. A young twin asked how to tell her sister she wanted her own themed birthday party after years of joint celebrations. This question apparently hit a little too close to home for Jenna and Barbara.
Barbara jokingly called out Jenna for once throwing a birthday party and not inviting her AT ALL! Barbara claimed she would have been totally supportive if Jenna had just given her a heads up. Cue the sisterly ribbing! Jenna's defense? Barbara was pregnant at the time and due any minute. Jenna said she didn't want to stress Barbara out with "petty" party planning stuff.
Barbara was not buying it. She quipped "Well we have all the same friends — word gets out!" Twin sister bond problems even happen to famous families it seems! In the end Barbara gave the young twin some advice. Just tell your sister you love her you want your own party and you would love for her to come and celebrate YOU. Sounds fair enough right?
'I Loved You First': Barbara and Jenna's Heartwarming New Kids' Book is a Family Affair
Birthday drama aside the Bush twins are also celebrating something really special: their new children's book called " I Loved You First ." This book is a bit different from their "Sisters First" series. It's all about the never-ending love parents have for their kids. And it's seriously sweet.
Jenna and Barbara explained that the book is not just for children. It's also a tribute to their own amazing parents former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush . They realized that becoming moms themselves has totally changed how they see their relationship with their parents. It's like a full circle moment.
Barbara shared "We had started talking about the other intimate relationships in our lives which at this point revolve around our kids. We love the idea of writing a book in which parents could tell their kids how much they love them every night. But the book is also a love letter to our own parents [former President George W. Bush and his wife Laura Bush] who taught us how to love." How touching is that?
Jenna added that becoming a parent makes you realize just how much your own parents did for you. The book is a reminder for them too to be present and appreciate all those little moments with their kids. It's about cherishing family and love across generations.
Grandpa "Jefe" the Artist: How George W. Bush Inspires His Grandkids (Especially Cora Georgia!)
Speaking of family did you know that former President George W. Bush is now a painter? And guess who is taking after Grandpa "Jefe" in the art department? Barbara's daughter Cora Georgia! Apparently Cora Georgia loves nothing more than hanging out in Jefe's studio and painting with him. Barbara said "She loves nothing more than getting to go to Jefe's studio with him and paint! Cora Georgia would say she's going to be an artist like Grandpa."
George W. Bush has even released two art books "Portraits of Courage" honoring wounded veterans and "Out of Many One" featuring portraits of immigrants. He is seriously dedicated to his painting and now he is passing that passion on to his grandkids.
Jenna also shared what her daughters Mila and Poppy want to be when they grow up. Mila at 11 years old wants to be a doctor because she is obsessed with "Grey's Anatomy" (thanks Meredith Grey!). Poppy wants to be a model which Jenna thinks is great. Her son Hal well he is still figuring things out but Jenna describes him as "all man" whatever that means! She jokes he might get his "destructiveness" from her. Sounds like a fun and lively bunch of grandkids.
Sister Time is Book Time: Why Writing Together Keeps Jenna and Barbara Close
Turns out writing books is not just a career thing for Jenna and Barbara. It is also a way for these busy twin sisters to make sure they spend quality time together. As Jenna laughed "One of the reasons why we keep writing books is to give us an excuse to spend time together."
With kids and husbands and careers life gets hectic. Writing books gives them a chance to travel explore and just enjoy being sisters again like they did growing up. Barbara said "Now that we have kids and we're married it's probably the first time in years we can just enjoy being the two of us." It's like their natural twin state is "partnership" and writing is just another amazing adventure they get to share.
Key Things to Know About Barbara Pierce Bush Right Now:
- Co-Author: Just released a new children's book with Jenna Bush Hager "I Loved You First."
- Twin Bond: Teased Jenna Bush Hager about not being invited to a birthday party on "TODAY with Jenna & Friends."
- Family Focus: "I Loved You First" is a love letter to her parents George W. and Laura Bush and explores parental love.
- Artistic Kid: Daughter Cora Georgia shares artistic interests with Grandpa George W. Bush and loves painting with him.
- Sisterly Partnership: Writing books is an important way for Barbara and Jenna to connect and spend quality time together amidst busy lives.