Laura Bush Reveals Surprising Hager Family Birth Tradition as She Celebrates New Grandchild

Former First Lady Laura Bush recently shared her immense joy at the news that her daughter, Jenna Bush Hager, is expecting another baby, an announcement that will make her a grandmother for the fourth time. During her latest appearance on the TODAY show, where Jenna serves as a co-host, the matriarch of the Bush family was visibly beaming as she discussed the excitement surrounding the expanding family. Her public confirmation added a sweet, personal layer to the news, captivating viewers who have followed Jenna’s journey into motherhood.

“I’m so thrilled about the baby that’s on the way!” Mrs. Bush exclaimed, her genuine delight palpable. She spoke warmly about the fulfillment she finds in her role as a grandmother to Mila, Poppy, and Hal, praising Jenna and her husband, Henry Hager, for the loving environment they provide. For Mrs. Bush, the anticipation of a new arrival is a time of pure celebration, marking another generation in a family deeply rooted in public life and strong personal values.

The conversation naturally steered towards the unique dynamics of the Hager household and the traditions they uphold. While Jenna often shares heartwarming anecdotes about her children and family life on the air, it was Mrs. Bush who unexpectedly revealed a surprising secret about the Hager family’s childbirth tradition—a detail that, surprisingly, Jenna herself had never publicly disclosed.

According to the former First Lady, the Hager family adheres to a rather unconventional, yet deeply sentimental, tradition surrounding the moments immediately following the birth of their children. While many families focus on skin-to-skin contact or the first family photos, the Hagers have a specific, musical rite of passage.

“It’s actually quite sweet,” Mrs. Bush began, leaning in conspiratorially. “Henry, my son-in-law, is a very private man, but he is fiercely sentimental. When each of their children are born—Mila, Poppy, and Hal, and I know it will be the same for this little one—Henry has a very specific piece of music he insists on playing in the delivery room.”

Mrs. Bush then revealed the surprising detail: “It’s not a lullaby, or classical music, or even a chart-topping song. It’s the entire unabridged, original ‘Bluegrass Bonanza’ album from 1965. And he plays it on a tiny, vintage portable record player that his own father used to own.”

The former First Lady explained that the album, a collection of fast-paced, traditional bluegrass songs, is played at a moderate volume while Henry holds the baby for the first time. It is a nod to Henry’s deep Virginia roots and a way to instantly connect the newborn to his side of the family history.

Jenna, who was initially wide-eyed in surprise that her mother had shared this private detail, laughed and confirmed the story. “Oh, Mother! I can’t believe you told everyone about the Bluegrass Bonanza! It’s true, though. Every time, Henry has that little suitcase record player, and there’s this moment of absolute, joyful chaos. It’s totally Hager.”

The revelation offered viewers a rare and intimate look into the Hager family’s personal life, showcasing a tradition that is both quirky and heartfelt. For Laura Bush, sharing this detail was a grandmother’s moment of pride, highlighting the sweet, individualistic traditions that make her family unique. As the family awaits their newest member, the knowledge that the strains of an old bluegrass album will once again fill the delivery room only adds to the joyful anticipation.