Additional Coverage:
On the September 14 episode of Today with Jenna and Sheinelle, Savannah Guthrie and Jenna Bush Hager shared a heartfelt conversation about motherhood, particularly the experience of having children later in life.
Savannah, who appeared as a guest host alongside Jenna, reflected on raising her two children in her 40s. “I had my babies in my 40s, which I think is a great time to have your kids.
I mean, I didn’t plan it that way, but that’s how life turned out,” she said. Savannah is mother to Vale, 12, and Charley, 9, whom she had at ages 42 and 44 with her husband, Mike Feldman.
Jenna, meanwhile, is a mother of three with her husband Henry Hager.
The two friends expressed gratitude and joy about their journeys into parenthood. Jenna noted her happiness for Savannah, saying, “I know you felt this way because you’re my friend, but like, you were also just so delighted that it could happen for you.”
Savannah responded warmly, “I’ll never be over it. I’m so happy.”
The conversation grew emotional as Jenna, moved by Savannah’s reflections, jokingly called herself an “empath.” She recalled visiting Savannah during those early days of motherhood, reminiscing about sitting on her couch as Savannah navigated being a new mom.
Their close bond was also highlighted by memories of living as neighbors, which strengthened their friendship and parenting support system. Jenna shared, “Find a next-door neighbor who happens to be one of your best friends, or become best friends with your next-door neighbor, because then you can kind of raise your kids together, and then also, we could be there for each other.” She recounted times when she relied on Savannah, once calling her last minute to help with her children, and expressed gratitude for having Savannah by her side, an acknowledgment that brought tears to her eyes.
Savannah responded with lighthearted humor, asking, “No, what is happening? I need to go to time-out!”
The segment also touched on the deep friendship between the two, especially during challenging times. When Savannah returned to the Today show following a hiatus after her mother Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, Jenna was a visible source of support. During Savannah’s first broadcast back, Jenna reached out and held her friend’s hands, calling her “our sunshine” and offering words of encouragement, a touching moment that resonated with viewers.
The episode underscored not only the joys and challenges of motherhood but also the power of friendship and support through life’s ups and downs.