Jenna Bush Hager’s Ice-Bucket Comeback Soaks Carson Daly and Savannah Guthrie
Oops, Today Show just got a chilly upgrade thanks to Jenna Bush Hager, and we’re low-key here for it. Picture this: mid-segment, the co-host calmly declares she’s reviving the Ice Bucket Challenge—yes, that 2014 viral moment—for a good cause. Before you can blink, Carson Daly and Savannah Guthrie are standing in Studio 1A, braces half-up, as buckets of ice-cold water descend. It was equal parts nostalgic throwback and unscripted comedy gold.
Jenna’s move wasn’t just about laughs. She explained, on-air, that she’s reigniting the challenge to pump up ALS awareness and fundraising (Today.com confirms the donation pledge in writing). According to People Magazine, Jenna reminded viewers that more than 20,000 Americans are diagnosed with ALS each year, and research still needs billions in support. That mix of playful dunking and genuine advocacy is classic Jenna—she joked about her own tolerance for cold but pivoted to underline why ALS funding matters now.
Savannah’s scream and Carson’s surprised crack about “brain freeze for your soul” made for perfect TV. Viewers on Twitter (via Today’s live feed) flipped out, cheering the hosts’ willingness to get soaked. #IceBucketChallenge trended within minutes, proving that a little nostalgia and star power still go viral. Behind the scenes, production notes (shared with Dotdash Meredith) hinted the stunt was pre-planned but improvised enough to feel spontaneous—no small feat on live national TV.
This splash-fest also sparked chatter about whether other morning shows will follow suit. Sources tell People that Jenna reached out to former Ice Bucket legends—think Chris Pratt and Dwayne Johnson—for digital shout‑outs, creating a social media relay. While some viewers asked, “Is this necessary?”, most appreciated the reminder that old trends can be retooled to spotlight urgent health issues.
At the end, Jenna dropped a teaser: “Next week, we might dunk a surprise guest,” leaving the studio buzzing. No names were mentioned, but gossip columns are already speculating heavyweights like Billie Eilish or BTS showing up in raincoats. One thing’s for sure: if you thought the Ice Bucket Challenge was buried in 2014, Jenna just iced that misconception.
Anyway, that’s the deal. Do with it what you will.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Today.com
People Magazine
Dotdash Meredith
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
