On March 20, 2025, co-hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Brooke Shields delighted viewers of the Today show with a candid conversation where they confessed something surprising: they both have crushes on singer Brandi Carlile and would even leave their husbands for her! The playful banter showcased their mutual admiration for the talented artist and sparked excitement among fans watching.
"I’m obsessed with both of them, but I think we both would leave our husbands for her," Shields declared, bringing laughter to the set. Bush Hager agreed, admitting the extent of her infatuation with Carlile, especially after the singer recently announced a collaboration with Elton John for a new album. It was a light-hearted moment that resonated with the audience.
As they discussed their shared tastes in women, Bush Hager recounted a personal experience, saying, "I saw her in Madison Square Garden and I was texting her PR person, and then I got in the taxi and I went home. And on the way home, she’s like, ‘Brandi wants you to come backstage,’ and I was like, ‘Aw, I’m already on my way home because maybe that – she’s married, but in my mind I’m like, ‘That could have been the moment!’"
The excitement didn't end there. Shields contributed to the humorous exchange, responding, "He’s like, ‘Wait, wait. Do I have to worry?’" referring to her husband Chris Henchy's playful reaction to her admission. Both women laughed, illustrating how they found a common thread in their types and preferences.
Brooke Shields, who is famously known as an actress, model, and entrepreneur, has been in the public eye for decades. She left her mark in Hollywood from a young age, being a superstar at just 11 years old and even securing her first modeling gig at the tender age of 11 months. On January 24 of this year, Shields served as the keynote speaker at the annual Waves of Change Women’s Leadership Luncheon, a charity event to raise funds for The Helen Gordon Davis Centre for Women, where 675 supporters gathered to hear her inspiring journey.
At the luncheon, Shields talked openly about her career and her latest venture as a hair care company founder. Dr. Moira J. Burke, this year’s Waves of Change local awardee, was recognized for her impactful 50-year medical career along with her philanthropic efforts. She embodies many values that the Centre encourages, such as career development and empowerment.
Today, as the segment progressed, viewers were treated to the dynamic lineup featured during the week, including other notable guests like Hilaria Baldwin and Ben Falcone. Brooke Shields co-hosted with Jenna and Friends for two segments, blending informative discussions with entertaining light-hearted moments. That day also welcomed author Wendy Suzuki to discuss her new book, "Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion," which aims to change how people view anxiety.
As the two co-hosts continued their banter, they noted their mutual love for Carlile, commending her unique energy and talent. Shields described Carlile as someone with a "beautiful feminine, masculine energy" that drew them both in, outlining what makes the singer such a captivating figure in today’s music scene. They relished in this shared appreciation, emphasizing the fun in their honest statements about their personal crush, describing Carlile as a dream.
Through this humorous confession of their celebrity admiration, Bush Hager and Shields encapsulated a relatable and endearing aspect of conversation—celebrity crushes. This light-hearted yet genuine moment underscored the fun of celebrity culture and the common threads that can connect individuals, regardless of their stature in the world.
The warmth of the rapport displayed on stage highlighted the engaging atmosphere of the Today show, which prides itself on blending relatable discussions with insightful segments. That week, viewers were also treated to various segments featuring a diverse array of guests and topics, from health advice by Dr. George Beauregard on colon cancer screening to festive performances marking St. Patrick’s Day.
With Bush Hager and Shields at the helm, the Today show’s segment became a memorable and entertaining peek into the lives of its hosts as they shared their genuine experiences. Their chemistry shone through, creating an inviting atmosphere for viewers and enthusiastically drawing them into both the content of the show and the moments of light-hearted fun.
In sum, Jenna Bush Hager and Brooke Shields’ candid friendship, marked by shared celebrity crushes, serves as a reminder of relatability amidst the glamorous world of celebrity culture. As the week-like festivities continued, the Today show remains a staple of celebrity engagement and real-life discussions, creating moments worth tuning in to.
