Jenna Bush Hager Reveals Her Dad Discouraged Her from Applying to Stanford: “Don’t Ruin It”

Jenna Bush Hager, co-host of Today with Hoda & Jenna, recently opened up about a surprising piece of advice she received from her father, former U.S. President George W. Bush, when she was applying to college. The Today star revealed that her dad discouraged her from applying to Stanford University with an unexpected warning: “Don’t ruin it.”

Jenna’s College Journey: The Stanford Dream That Wasn’t

During a candid conversation on Today, Jenna shared a personal anecdote about her college application process. Like many high school seniors, she had big dreams for her future, and Stanford University was high on her list of potential schools. However, when she brought up the idea to her father, his response took her by surprise.

Jenna recalled, “I told my dad that I wanted to apply to Stanford, and he looked at me and said, ‘Don’t ruin it.’”

At first, she was taken aback by the comment, wondering why her father—who himself attended prestigious universities—would say something like that. However, she soon realized that his words weren’t meant to discourage her academic ambitions, but rather to preserve the family legacy in a different way.

The Bush Legacy at Stanford

George W. Bush’s statement wasn’t about doubting Jenna’s abilities—it was about something more sentimental. Jenna’s twin sister, Barbara Bush, was already a student at Stanford, and their father believed that the university should remain Barbara’s special place without Jenna following in her footsteps.

“He didn’t want me to go to Stanford because Barbara was there, and he wanted her to have her own experience,” Jenna explained.

For many siblings, attending the same college can be a bonding experience, but in this case, their father felt that giving each daughter her own space was more important.

Choosing a Different Path: Jenna’s College Decision

Ultimately, Jenna did not apply to Stanford. Instead, she chose to attend the University of Texas at Austin, where she pursued a degree in English. Looking back, she has no regrets about her decision.

“I loved my time at UT,” Jenna said. “I had an amazing college experience, and honestly, I think my dad was right. Barbara got to have Stanford as her own, and I got to have UT as mine.”

The decision allowed the Bush twins to cultivate their own identities and experiences, without being in each other’s shadows during their college years.

Sibling Rivalry or Parental Wisdom?

Jenna’s revelation sparked a discussion among Today viewers about whether parents should encourage or discourage siblings from attending the same school. Many fans commended George W. Bush for his thoughtful parenting, noting that siblings deserve to have their own spaces to grow.

Others, however, felt that if Jenna had truly wanted to attend Stanford, she should have been encouraged to follow her dream.

“I understand the idea of giving each child their own experience, but at the same time, if she wanted to go to Stanford, why not let her?” one fan commented on social media.

Regardless of differing opinions, Jenna has maintained that she harbors no resentment toward her father’s advice. In fact, she now appreciates the wisdom behind his words.

Jenna’s Success Beyond College

Though Jenna Bush Hager took a different academic path than her sister, she has undoubtedly carved out her own impressive career. From working as a teacher and author to becoming a beloved television personality, Jenna has continuously proven herself as more than just a former First Daughter.

Her Today career, along with her successful book club and best-selling authorship, shows that her father’s decision didn’t limit her opportunities—it helped her forge a unique journey.

As for Barbara? She went on to co-found Global Health Corps, a nonprofit organization focused on healthcare equity, further proving that both sisters thrived in their own ways.

Final Thoughts: A Father’s Perspective

While George W. Bush’s statement, “Don’t ruin it,” may have sounded harsh at the time, Jenna now sees it as an act of love and guidance. In a family where legacy plays a significant role, creating individual experiences was a priority.

Would Jenna have thrived at Stanford? Absolutely. But she flourished at the University of Texas, proving that sometimes, the best path is the one uniquely your own.

What do you think about George W. Bush’s advice? Should parents guide siblings toward separate experiences, or should they support them in attending the same school? Share your thoughts!