We all know and adore Jenna Bush Hager from our TV screens right? She is a ray of sunshine on the TODAY show. But have you ever stopped to wonder about her husband Henry Hager ? He is not just "Jenna's husband" folks. Henry has a seriously interesting story all his own. Let's dive into his life his career and his super sweet romance with Jenna.
From White House Meetings to Romantic Hikes: The Charming Love Story of Jenna and Henry
Get ready for a meet-cute story with a political twist. Jenna and Henry's romance began in the world of Washington D.C. during Jenna's dad George W. Bush's re-election campaign in 2004. Henry was actually working on the re-election committee and their paths crossed when he came to the White House to watch a football game. Talk about a first meeting location!
Jenna was a teacher in D.C. at the time and she noticed Henry right away. There was just one small catch... he had a girlfriend! But fate had other plans. By the time President Bush was sworn in for his second term in 2005 Jenna and Henry were officially dating. As a friend close to Henry mentioned they went from "friends" on election day to "an item" by the Inaugural. Things moved fast!
Their relationship quickly became public in February 2005. Reports at the time said Jenna and Henry were inseparable. They were seen together at Inaugural parties White House dinners and all sorts of public events. They just seemed to enjoy being around each other. Interestingly Jenna's own mom former First Lady Laura Bush initially didn't see Henry as a "serious boyfriend". Moms can be wrong sometimes because in 2007 Henry popped the question and proved everyone wrong.
A Cocktail-Fueled Proposal Rejection (Sort Of) and a Sunrise Hike to "Yes!"
Here is a funny tidbit. Jenna actually revealed she jokingly proposed to Henry after "several cocktails" way before the official engagement. Henry's response? A polite but firm "Uh uh uh." He did not say no exactly but it was not the right time.
Fast forward to the real proposal. Henry planned a super romantic vacation to Maine. He woke Jenna up super early at 4 AM for a hike up Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. A bit early right? But it was worth it. They reached the mountain top just as the sun was rising. Talk about perfect timing and setting! Right there with the sunrise Henry asked Jenna to marry him. This time she said a resounding "Yes!".
Texas Ranch Wedding and a "Really Good Guy" in the Bush Family
A year later in May 2008 Jenna and Henry got married at the Bush family ranch in Crawford Texas. It was a beautiful and romantic ceremony. After the wedding even former President Bush shared his happiness at a press conference saying "Our little girl Jenna married a really good guy." It sounds like Henry was officially welcomed into the Bush family.
From Politics to Private Equity: Henry Hager's Impressive Career Path
Before becoming known as a loving husband and dad Henry was carving out an impressive career path in politics and then business. He earned his MBA from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and a B.S. from Wake Forest University showing his strong academic background.
His career started in the political arena. Henry became a West Wing associate to Karl Rove and a senior advisor to President George W. Bush. He served in the Bush administration from 2001 to 2003. Then he became the deputy operations manager for the Bush-Dick Cheney presidential campaign in 2004 which is where he met Jenna. He continued to serve in the Bush administration in the U.S. Department of Commerce working closely with Secretary Carlos Gutierrez from 2005 to 2006.
After years in public service Henry transitioned to the private sector. Currently he is the managing director at Waterous Energy Fund a private equity firm based in Calgary that invests in the Canadian oil and gas sector. Before that he spent six years as a director at Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) a global investment firm focusing on energy and infrastructure. He also worked in corporate strategy at Constellation Energy. It is a diverse and high-powered business career.
Beyond Work: Family Man and Community Involvement
While Henry has a demanding career he is also known as a devoted family man. He and Jenna have three kids Margaret Laura "Mila" Hager Poppy Louise and Henry Harold "Hal". He recently even guest co-anchored TODAY with Jenna showing his comfort in the spotlight and warm personality.
Beyond work and family Henry is also active in several organizations. He is a board member of the Coastal Conservation Association's Building Conservation Trust the George W. Bush Presidential Center and the Building Conservation Trust. He is clearly committed to both conservation and presidential history.
Key Facts About Henry Hager:
- Met Jenna Bush Hager: During George W. Bush's 2004 re-election campaign.
- Career Start: West Wing Associate and Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush.
- Business Career: Managing Director at Waterous Energy Fund and former Director at KKR.
- Education: MBA from University of Virginia Darden School of Business and BS from Wake Forest University.
- Family: Husband to Jenna Bush Hager and father of three children Mila Poppy and Hal.
- Philanthropy: Board member of Coastal Conservation Association's Building Conservation Trust and George W. Bush Presidential Center.
A Love Story That Lasts and a Career That Impresses
Jenna Bush Hager and Henry Hager's relationship is definitely one for the books. From their political beginnings to their romantic mountaintop proposal and now a thriving family they have built a strong partnership. And Henry himself is much more than just a husband he is a successful businessman a dedicated father and someone with a fascinating background in both politics and finance. He's a guy with a great story to tell.