Jenna Bush Hager Debuts Bold Bob on ‘Today’ Show
Jenna Bush Hager debuts bold bob on ‘Today’ show, surprising viewers nationwide with a spontaneous live haircut that quickly went viral. On the morning of June 16, 2025, the co-host made the bold decision to part with her long, signature blonde hair, unveiling a sleek new look right on national television. The unexpected transformation caught fans and fellow anchors off guard, instantly turning the segment into one of the show’s most talked-about moments.
The bold makeover unfolded during a live segment on NBC’s Today show and was inspired by actress Leslie Bibb, known for her role in The White Lotus. The live haircut quickly turned into a trending topic on social media and sparked conversations about self-expression, personal reinvention, and the freedom to try something new — even under the spotlight.
Why Jenna Decided to Go Short
The idea for the transformation started with a nudge from Bibb herself. During a previous guest appearance on Today, Bibb encouraged Hager to try out the striking “blunt bob” hairstyle her character wore in The White Lotus. That conversation planted a seed, and Hager decided to run with it.
“You are such a badass. You’re so cool,” Bibb said to Hager on-air as hairstylist Chris McMillan prepared to begin the cut. “I love this.”
Moments later, McMillan — a celebrity stylist famous for creating iconic haircuts like “The Rachel” from Friends — took his scissors to Jenna’s golden strands.
The Cut Heard Around Morning TV
As the scissors started to work their way through her hair, Jenna remained cheerful but visibly stunned at how quickly things changed.
“Whoa, that’s so short,” she laughed as one of the bottom layers was snipped off.
Her nervous excitement was genuine, making the live moment relatable to anyone who’s ever second-guessed a drastic haircut decision. Co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb were also visibly excited, cheering Jenna on as her new look began to take shape.
“Mom, Don’t Do It”: How Her Kids Reacted
Despite the on-air encouragement, not everyone in Jenna’s life was thrilled about the idea. According to her, her daughter gave her a firm warning before she stepped into the stylist’s chair.
“My daughter was like, ‘Mom, don’t do it. You’re going to regret it,’” Jenna recounted with a smile.
Jenna is mom to three children — Margaret “Mila,” Poppy, and Henry “Hal.” As she jokingly noted on-air, they’re often her toughest critics when it comes to fashion and style choices. Whether they approve of the bob or not, it’s clear Jenna embraced the change wholeheartedly.
Chris McMillan’s Modern Take on the Classic Bob
Behind the scissors was none other than Chris McMillan, a trusted name in Hollywood styling. McMillan is responsible for several legendary celebrity haircuts — including Jennifer Aniston’s layered look from Friends — and brought his signature approach to Hager’s makeover.
In an interview with Today.com, McMillan shared that he didn’t just want to give Jenna a standard bob. Instead, he reimagined the classic cut with a fresh, updated twist.
“I wanted to make it a little more modern and sexy,” he explained. “It can be styled behind the ears, it can be natural, or it can be wavy — it’s super versatile.”
According to McMillan, one of the best things about a bob is its flexibility. Whether you want a polished look for work or something more relaxed for the weekend, a bob delivers both.
What Viewers Can Expect Next
Although much of the transformation was captured live, the final reveal is being saved for the June 17 episode of Today. The producers are building up anticipation, promising that Jenna will debut her fully styled look with professional makeup and outfit styling — a complete makeover moment.
“We’re not done yet,” Jenna teased at the end of the segment. “Tune in tomorrow to see the whole thing!”
This format not only builds suspense but also allows viewers to participate in Jenna’s transformation in real time — a smart move by NBC to boost audience engagement and tap into social media buzz.
Celebrity Bob Haircuts That Changed the Conversation
Jenna Bush Hager isn’t the only celebrity making waves with a bob. Over the years, many A-listers have embraced this timeless style, often making headlines in the process. Below is a comparison table of some of the most talked-about celebrity bob cuts in recent memory:
| Celebrity | Year | Style | Why It Went Viral |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jenna Bush Hager | 2025 | Blunt Bob | Cut live on national TV |
| Zendaya | 2024 | Asymmetrical Bob | Red carpet hit at the Oscars |
| Taylor Swift | 2023 | French Bob | Debuted in a music video |
| Emma Watson | 2022 | Micro Bob | Fashion-forward look at Paris Fashion Week |
| Kim Kardashian | 2021 | Sleek Bob | Shift from long extensions to minimalism |
Reinventing Yourself on Live TV
For Jenna Bush Hager, this transformation isn’t just about hair — it’s about embracing change with confidence, even when it’s a little scary. Live television leaves no room for do-overs, which made her choice even braver.
Her moment of vulnerability, as well as her excitement and humor, made the transformation feel personal for viewers. Many took to social media to share similar experiences or praise her for stepping out of her comfort zone.
“Honestly, Jenna getting a bob on live TV gave me the courage to schedule my own haircut,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Behind the Scenes: Jenna’s Career and Public Life
As the daughter of former President George W. Bush and granddaughter of former First Lady Barbara Bush, Jenna grew up in the public eye. Over time, she’s built a career on her own as a journalist, author, and co-host of one of America’s most-watched morning shows.
Since joining Today in 2009 and becoming a full-time co-host in 2019, she has brought a sense of relatability and warmth to the screen. Her candid storytelling and open personality have helped her connect with audiences across generations.
In addition to her work in broadcast journalism, she’s also a best-selling author. Her latest book with twin sister Barbara Bush, Love Comes First, explores family, motherhood, and lessons from their grandparents. (Source)
Conclusion: A Cut Above the Rest
Jenna Bush Hager’s haircut may be short in length, but it’s long on impact. More than just a style change, it’s a moment of self-expression — a live TV surprise that turned into a viral celebration of confidence and change.
Whether you’re thinking about making a similar move or just watching from the sidelines, Jenna’s fearless moment serves as a reminder: sometimes the best changes are the ones you make for yourself.
Don’t forget to tune in to the June 17 episode of Today for the final reveal.
External Links & Further Reading
- Jenna’s Haircut Interview at Today.com
- Celebrity Memoirs Worth Reading — USA TODAY
- Chris McMillan’s Iconic Work: ‘The Rachel’
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