Jenna Bush Hager, whose mother Laura Bush was a counselor at Camp Mystic, has emotional response to Texas floods on “Right now”

Texas native Jenna Bush Hager shared an emotional response on Today to the devastation that occurred over the weekend when flash floods pounded the central a part of the state, leaving 95 individuals useless.

Twenty-seven of those that died had been at Camp Mystic, a personal Christian summer time camp for ladies, both as younger campers or as counselors, and it turned out that Hager was effectively acquainted with it.

"My mother was a counselor there, but additionally so lots of my buddies have been raised at this camp," Hager mentioned of her mother, former first woman Laura Bush, Monday on Right now.

"Texas camps are establishments … the place many members of the family — generations [go]," she defined. "This camp was a 100 years outdated. So grandmothers, moms, children have all gone there. My mother was a drama counselor there. However lots of my buddies have been there, had their children there final week. And the tales that I heard during the last couple days have been stunning and heartbreaking."

Her voice shook at occasions, as she seemed to be struggling to not cry.

Hager mentioned she and husband Henry Hager ship their very own three kids — Mila, 12; Poppy, 9; and 5-year-old Hal — to camp within the Lone Star State.

"Texas camps are actually particular, since you're interested by 90-degree climate, no air-conditioning," she mentioned. "My children are at camp in Texas. And my husband mentioned, 'Why are we sending our children to Texas to camp? It's scorching.' And it's due to the love that's there."

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The host of the morning present's Jenna & Buddies famous that one of many casualties of the catastrophe, camp director Richard "Dick" Eastland, who died trying to rescue campers, was beloved.

"That household, the Eastland household is Texas royalty," Hager mentioned. "They raised so many ladies. And his son, who has handed as effectively, went to Texas the place I went, College of Texas. However so lots of my buddies mentioned he was their summer time father. He appeared out for his campers. He raised women to be courageous and loving and his legacy will dwell on."

However Hager was assured that her former neighbors would help each other.

"Texas has a kind of resilience the place they're beneficiant individuals, the place individuals need to attain out and assist," she mentioned.

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Hager, 43, can also be the daughter of former President George W. Bush, who issued his personal assertion on the floods: "On at the present time of prayer, Laura and I are holding up our fellow Texans who’re hurting," Bush started. "We’re heartbroken by the lack of life and the agony that so many are feeling. Those that have misplaced their treasured kids are going through a grief no mother and father ought to ever know. "

The retired politician went on to thank first responders and volunteers serving to these affected.

"We all know our phrases can not assist," Bush continued, "however we imagine the prayers of so many Individuals will."

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