What began as a festive morning on the plaza turned into the most unexpected — and emotional — moment of the show. Surrounded by co-hosts, authors, and cheering fans, Jenna Bush Hager was celebrating a major reading milestone when producers rolled a surprise that no one on set saw coming. The crowd leaned in. The cameras tightened. And Jenna’s smile shifted in an instant. What followed wasn’t a gimmick or a stunt — it was personal. Raw. The kind of television that makes a bustling studio fall silent and turns a celebration into something unforgettable. Even her co-hosts, usually quick with quips, were left searching for words as Jenna covered her face, tears glistening under the lights

In a heartwarming and emotional moment on The Today Show, Jenna Bush Hager was left in tears after receiving a surprise message from her mother, former First Lady Laura Bush, celebrating the fifth anniversary of Jenna’s beloved Read with Jenna book club.

The special tribute aired during a live segment on the Today Plaza, where Jenna’s co-hosts — Hoda Kotb, Craig Melvin, Al Roker, and Carson Daly — joined her to mark the milestone. Authors of her 63 book club selections were on hand, helping pack copies of each book to send to libraries across all 50 U.S. states. The symbolic assembly line was shaped like the number “5,” representing five years of Jenna’s mission to inspire Americans to read.

As Hoda prompted Jenna to “take a look,” the screen lit up with a heartfelt video message from her mother. “Hi Jenna, as we celebrate Read Across America Day, I congratulate you on five years of the Read with Jenna book club,” Laura Bush said, praising her daughter for “inspiring more Americans to fall in love with reading.”

The former First Lady, once a schoolteacher and librarian, spoke with warmth and pride — words that immediately moved Jenna to tears. As Laura ended her message with, “Love you,” Jenna wiped her eyes, visibly emotional. Carson Daly couldn’t help but comment, “She looks beautiful,” to which Jenna quipped, “That’s what reading does for your skin.”

Her co-hosts then took a moment to celebrate Jenna’s impact. Hoda praised her initiative, calling the book club “a juggernaut” that rekindled America’s passion for reading. “When I see a Read with Jenna sticker on a book, I want it,” she said. Craig Melvin added, “You helped get America reading again.”

The numbers prove it: out of Jenna’s 63 featured titles, 41 became New York Times bestsellers, and 32 were adapted for film or television — a testament to her cultural influence. Independent bookstores like New York’s McNally Jackson even showcased her full list of selections in their windows as part of the celebration.

Reflecting on the milestone, Jenna said, “I’m really proud of the community of readers who get to share these stories. It’s pretty incredible.” She also revealed her five personal favorite novels — A Little Life, The Bluest Eye, Bel Canto, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, and The Secret History — calling them her “escape from everyday life.”

The segment ended on a touching note: a daughter’s tears, a mother’s pride, and a nationwide reminder of the power of books to connect generations.

As Laura Bush’s voice faded from the screen, Jenna smiled through her tears. “Never thought I’d cry over my own book club,” she said softly, before adding, “but if my mom says she’s proud — that’s all that really matters.”