Al Roker Adjusts Nickname for Jenna Bush Hager
The television host changed a comment on air after colleagues expressed surprise during the broadcast.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Pre-Teens
During a recent Today broadcast, Al Roker referred to colleague Jenna Bush Hager as Big Red after noting her outfit. The comment, which drew surprise from fellow hosts on set, was later updated to Tall Red.
Why it matters
Navigating nicknames within families and friend groups often requires clear communication about boundaries. This exchange serves as a reminder that what starts as a playful observation can sometimes miss the mark for others.
The incident involved 72-year-old Al Roker and Jenna Bush Hager, whose own children use the nicknames Biggie or Big Back for her. Roker shifted his phrasing from Big Red to Tall Red following the on-set reaction.
The players
Al Roker
A 72-year-old television personality and weather anchor known for his long-standing presence on the Today show.
Jenna Bush Hager
A Today show host and mother to three children, aged 7, 11, and 13.
The details
The interaction occurred on the set of the Today show after Roker observed Bush Hager wearing a red ensemble. The comment prompted immediate surprise and disapproval from colleagues Savannah Guthrie and Sheinelle Jones. While Bush Hager maintains that her own children use their own specific nicknames for her, the exchange on set highlights the social nuance of workplace interactions.
Timeline
October 20, 2026: Al Roker called Jenna Bush Hager Big Red.
October 22, 2026: Jenna Bush Hager discussed the incident on air.
The Home Front
Workplace interactions and familial dynamics often intersect as professional norms continue to evolve on public platforms. Families frequently establish internal naming conventions that differ significantly from those used in external professional or social environments.
Consider discussing how your family handles nicknames and the difference between public and private language with your children. It is a helpful opportunity to teach kids about context and boundaries when interacting with others.
The takeaway
Understanding the context of nicknames is essential for maintaining respectful communication at home and in public. Take a moment to chat with your family about which names feel comfortable to them and which remain strictly for private use.
Further reading
Learn more about navigating social developments with your children in our Pre-Teens section.
