George W. Bush had a unique way of celebrating his 80th birthday. During the July 6 episode of “Today with Jenna Sheinelle,” daughter Jenna Bush Hager revealed that the former president planned to kick off the milestone birthday with one of his favorite activities: a spin class. “My sis ter is with him, I wish I was there,” Bush Hager said on-air. “She’s putting on a spin class at his favorite little place that he goes to, this little local spot.” The celebration didn’t stop there. Family and friends were also expected to join the celebration before gathering for a family dinner. Bush’s love for cycling is no surprise. The 43rd president is an avid mountain biker who has spent years combining his passion for the sport with charitable efforts supporting veterans. According to the George W. Bush Presidential Center, Bush hosts the annual Warrior 100K and mountain bike rides at his ranch in Crawford, Texas. George W. Bush Jun 19 George W. Bush and Michelle Obama have sweet reunion, complete with a mint moment Today Show Apr 21 Jenna Bush Hager shares what it's like to interview her dad: ‘He harasses me' Celebrity News Nov 19, 2025 Jenna Bush Hager says dad George W. Bush told her he doesn't watch her ‘dumb show' Each year around Veterans Day, wounded service members are invited to spend time outdoors together, building camaraderie on the trails. The Bush Center describes the event as “a celebration of the brave folks who raised their hand to defend our nation,” according to their website. Despite her father’s active lifestyle, Jenna admitted she’s still having a hard time believing he’s reached such a major birthday milestone. “I can’t believe it — 80 years old. Wild,” she told co-host Sheinelle Jones. After Jones wished Bush a happy birthday, Jenna added, “Happy birthday, Jefe. We love you.” The nickname has special meaning within the Bush family. During a 2025 appearance on “TODAY,” Jenna’s fraternal twin sister, Barbara Pierce Bush, revealed that George W. and Laura Bush’s grandchildren call them “Jefe” and “Grammy,” respectively. The Spanish word jefe translates to “boss” or “chief” and is sometimes used affectionately to refer to a parental figure. As for whether she planned to call her father live on-air for his birthday, Jenna said she passed on the idea because she figured he’d prefer a low-key celebration away from the cameras. “And who are we, as his children, to make him do stuff?” she added with a laugh. Bush’s birthday came just days after the United States celebrated the 250th anniversary of its independence. It also arrived weeks after the former president made a rare public appearance at the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, where he posed alongside fellow former presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Joe Biden. (L-R) Former President Joe Biden, former President Barack Obama, former President George W. Bush, and former President Bill Clinton, pose ahead of the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center, in John Lewis Plaza, on June 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. ...read more read less