George W. Bush Has a Funeral Song, Daughter Jenna Bush Hager Says — and It’s This Sister Act 2 Favorite

Jenna Bush Hager revealed that her father, former President George W. Bush, already knows what he wants played at his funeral — and plenty of movie fans will recognize the tune.

Speaking with Savannah Guthrie on the Monday, Dec. 22, episode of Today with Jenna & Friends, the co-hosts swapped thoughts about the songs they’d pick for their own send-offs.

“This is a little morbid, but have you ever thought about a song you want played at your funeral? I have!” Guthrie, 53, said during the broadcast. She added that her choice would be “Take It to the Limit” by The Eagles.

That prompted Bush Hager, 44, to share her dad’s long-standing plan.

“My dad has always had a funeral song, and it used to be [John Fogerty’s ‘Centerfield’]. ‘Put me in coach, I’m ready to… ‘ But now it’s ‘Oh, Happy Day!’ He wants that,” she said.

The gospel classic “Oh, Happy Day!”—popularized by The Edwin Hawkins Singers in 1968—is widely seen as a song of hope, faith, and joyful celebration. For many, it’s also instantly tied to Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993), starring Whoopi Goldberg.

One of the film’s standout scenes features Goldberg’s character — a lounge singer posing as a nun — coaxing a shy student into singing the powerful number in front of a crowd for the first time.

Bush, 79, served as the 43rd president of the United States, taking office in January 2001 and completing two terms.

When a former U.S. president dies, their funeral often follows the traditions of a state funeral — a multi-day set of ceremonies that honors their service and gives the public opportunities to pay respects. Specific plans vary by family preference, with coordination typically involving federal agencies.

State funeral observances commonly include lying in state at the U.S. Capitol, where the casket is placed in the Rotunda for public visitation. A formal service often follows at Washington National Cathedral, attended by family members, dignitaries, and current and former leaders.

In 2018, several past presidents and prominent public figures — including Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Jimmy Carter, Donald Trump and Melania Trump — attended George H.W. Bush’s funeral at the National Cathedral.

George W. Bush delivered an emotional tribute during the service, at times holding back tears.

In 2025, George and Laura Bush returned to Washington to attend the funerals of former President Jimmy Carter and former Vice President Dick Cheney.