Today’s Star Jenna Bush Hager Shares Why Her New Project with Sister Barbara is So Special

Jenna Bush Hager, a beloved co-host of the ‘Today’ show, recently unveiled a touching new children’s book titled *I Loved You First*, co-authored with her sister Barbara Pierce Bush. This project continues the sisters’ storied collaboration, which previously celebrated the bonds of sisterhood through their *Sisters First* series. However, this new release takes a fresh approach, shifting the focus from sibling relationships to the profound, unconditional love parents have for their children, creating a heartfelt narrative that resonates with both young readers and their families.
In a recent conversation with Good Housekeeping, Jenna and Barbara shared their motivations for this heartfelt project. They wanted to convey the transformative power of parenthood and how it reshapes one’s perception of love and family. Barbara articulated the book’s intention as a means for parents to articulate their love for their children, simultaneously serving as a homage to their beloved parents, George W. and Laura Bush, who instilled strong values of love and devotion in their daughters.
A Tribute to Parental Love

At its core, *I Loved You First* is an exploration of love—the love that parents exuberantly share with their children, and the love that shapes every interaction within a family. Jenna emphasized the book’s essential goal: to encourage families to appreciate and reflect on the loving relationships that exist between them. This theme of recognition of love comes from their upbringing and also who they are as mothers today to their five children.
This new focus is particularly poignant for both Jenna and Barbara, who have recently embraced their roles as parents. Writing this book has allowed them to meld their experiences of motherhood with cherished memories from their childhood. Through the pages of *I Loved You First*, they hope to communicate the enduring bond between parents and children, making it a perfect bedtime read that serves both educational and sentimental purposes.
A Reunion of Creative Forces

The collaboration on this book has provided Jenna and Barbara with an invaluable opportunity to reconnect and deepen their bond as sisters. Life’s milestones—such as marriage and motherhood—have created busy lives for both, with each sister balancing careers and family. However, writing together has been a powerful avenue for them to share personal experiences, thoughts, and stories. As twins, their unique understanding of each other makes their partnership in writing particularly special; it allows them to present their imaginations as a unified force.
This creative reunion reflects the essence of sisterhood in a new light, focusing on family ties that extend beyond their own lives and into the relationships they cultivate with their children. By illustrating the powerful message of love within the pages of *I Loved You First*, Jenna and Barbara forge a meaningful connection with their readers while inspiring other families to celebrate their unique bonds as well.
Engaging Storytelling for All Ages

*I Loved You First* is not just a book for children; it is a journey into the intricate emotional landscape of parenthood, filled with relatable moments that will resonate across generations. The storytelling captures the spirit of childhood wonder while simultaneously allowing parents to reflect on their own love experiences with their children. With vivid illustrations and heartfelt prose, the book provides a platform for dialogue between parents and children about the nature of love and belonging.
Jenna and Barbara’s aim is to entertain young readers while embedding meaningful lessons about familial love and appreciation. With each turn of the page, children are encouraged to explore their feelings and realize the significance of the love that surrounds them, enhancing their emotional intelligence at a young age.

The launch of *I Loved You First* marks a significant milestone not just in Jenna and Barbara’s literary journey but in the way it connects with families universally. This project stands as a testament to the power of love in its many forms. If you’re looking for a heartwarming addition to your children’s bookshelf or a thoughtful gift for young families, consider picking up Jenna and Barbara’s enchanting new book today.
Through engaging storytelling, the Bush sisters are inviting us all to celebrate and cherish the love that defines our relationships.