Al Roker Coins New Nickname for Jenna Bush Hager
The veteran weather anchor sparked a lighthearted on-air moment by calling his co-host Big Red.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Pre-Teens
During a recent broadcast of Today, Al Roker surprised his colleagues by referring to Jenna Bush Hager as Big Red. The comment, made while Bush Hager was wearing a red outfit, drew immediate reactions from fellow hosts Savannah Guthrie and Sheinelle Jones.
Why it matters
Public interactions between longtime television colleagues often draw audience attention due to their established rapport. The moment highlighted the evolving banter between the Today show team members as they reacted to the off-the-cuff remark.
Al Roker, age 72, initially dubbed his colleague Big Red during the morning program. This followed earlier disclosures by Bush Hager that her children, aged 13, 11, and 7, affectionately call her Biggie or Big Back.
The players
Al Roker
He is a long-standing weather anchor and television personality known for his work on the Today show.
Jenna Bush Hager
She is a co-host on the Today show and a former first daughter of the United States.
Savannah Guthrie
She serves as a primary anchor for the Today show and is a prominent journalist.
Sheinelle Jones
She is an anchor and co-host who appears regularly on the Today show.
The details
Roker changed the moniker to Tall Red after his initial choice received unexpected feedback from other hosts on set. The exchange occurred after Roker observed the color of Bush Hager's attire, leading to a discussion about nicknames among the group.
Timeline
May 2026: Jenna Bush Hager shared the nicknames her children use for her.
October 20, 2026: Al Roker called his colleague Big Red during a live broadcast.
October 22, 2026: Bush Hager spoke about the incident while back on air.
Culture Shift
This exchange highlights the ongoing shift toward informal host interaction in morning news television. It underscores how personal rapport and unscripted moments have become central to the modern broadcast format.
Viewers watching the broadcast experienced a candid moment that highlights the social dynamics between popular TV hosts. The incident serves as a reminder of how quickly professional on-air interactions can become topics of casual conversation.
The takeaway
Nurturing professional relationships often involves lighthearted teasing and spontaneous communication styles. Readers can consider how their own workplace banter influences their daily interactions with peers.
Further reading
Discover more about how family and social dynamics are reflected on air in our Pre-Teens section.
