Jenna Bush Hager Confuses Al Roker with Willard Scott Over ‘Kiss’ with Grandmother Barbara Bush

Jenna Bush Hager found herself in a hilarious and awkward situation on the Today show when she mistakenly mixed up two of her colleagues during a discussion about her late grandmother, Barbara Bush. The incident took place during Jenna’s Morning Boost segment, which had her alongside Al Roker, Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie, and Carson Daly.

While recalling a story about Barbara Bush being honored with a commemorative stamp, Jenna turned to Al Roker and said, “Remember when you made out with her, Al?” Her comment left the entire group, including Roker, visibly confused. Jenna, realizing her mistake, followed up with, “Didn’t you kiss her?” which only made the situation more awkward. The room fell silent as everyone tried to process what was just said.

The Mistaken Identity

After a few moments of surprise, Jenna quickly realized she had mixed up Al with former Today show weatherman Willard Scott, who had famously shared a kiss with Barbara Bush during a 1989 broadcast. “That was Willard!” Jenna exclaimed, clearing up the confusion. Al, never one to shy away from a joke, laughed and said, “That was Willard, the other bald weather guy.”

Jenna apologized to Al, but the situation had already turned into an amusing moment for viewers. Al, with his usual good humor, responded, “It was awkward on so many levels, so many levels. I’m thinking, ‘Did I make out with her grandmother?’” He quickly added with a laugh, “Not that I wouldn’t have!”

The Famous Kiss with Willard Scott

The incident Jenna was referring to happened in January 1989 during the inaugural parade of President George H.W. Bush. Barbara Bush unexpectedly ran up to Willard Scott, planted a kiss on his lips, and then rushed back to her husband. The moment was memorable, with Willard later saying, “I’ve been kissed by the best! I got kissed off by the president, but I got kissed by the first lady!”

In 2021, three years after Barbara’s passing in 2018, Jenna spoke about the kiss, calling it one of her grandmother’s life highlights. She even joked that her grandfather, George H.W. Bush, might have been a little jealous of the public display of affection.

Willard Scott’s Bond with the Bush Family

Jenna also shared that she had met Willard Scott at the White House Egg Roll and that he was well-loved by her family, particularly because of his special bond with Barbara. In fact, the family named a cat “Willard Bush” in his honor after the incident. Willard passed away in 2021 at age 87, but his legacy and connection to the Bush family remain fondly remembered.

Jenna revealed in a recent interview that she had heard from someone who worked closely with Barbara and Willard, saying, “There was some sort of chemistry there where she said, ‘I feel like they were flirting,’ and obviously we have the proof.”

Barbara Bush’s Own Account

Barbara Bush herself reflected on the infamous kiss in a Today interview in 2015. She explained how the kiss was completely spontaneous: “Suddenly, I look over and see this very happy face, race over, give that face a kiss, race back to George.” When George H.W. Bush asked her about it, she replied, “I don’t know Willard Scott. I just love that face.”

Conclusion: A Family Tradition of Love and Laughter

This amusing moment on the Today show gave fans a rare, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the playful nature of the Bush family’s bond with Willard Scott. For Jenna, the mix-up with Al Roker was just another lighthearted moment to add to her family’s history. Despite the confusion, it was clear that the connection between Barbara Bush and Willard Scott was something special—something that will live on in family lore, as well as in the hearts of those who continue to admire both Barbara and Willard for their kindness, humor, and warmth.