George W. Bush’s Surprising ‘Funeral Song’ Revealed

During Monday’s episode of Today with Jenna & Friends, co-host Jenna Bush Hager revealed that her father, the 43rd president, has made a rather joyful pick for his final farewell.

“My dad has always had a funeral song,” Bush Hager told co-host Savannah Guthrie. “It used to be ‘Centerfield’ by John Fogerty — you know, ‘Put me in, coach!’ But now, it’s ‘Oh, Happy Day.’ He wants that.”

The revelation drew laughter from Guthrie and the audience, but the former First Daughter said her father’s choice fits him perfectly. “He’s always been optimistic,” she added. “Even his funeral plan has a little light in it.”

“Oh, Happy Day” was originally recorded by The Edwin Hawkins Singers in 1968, becoming a gospel crossover hit that reached the Billboard Top 10. The song celebrates salvation and spiritual renewal — themes that resonate deeply with Bush’s lifelong faith.

But for many Americans, the song became iconic thanks to Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, the 1993 hit starring Whoopi Goldberg. In one of the film’s most memorable scenes, Goldberg’s character encourages a shy student, played by Lauryn Hill, to let her voice soar in a rousing rendition of the gospel classic.

“It’s a song about transformation — about finding joy where there once was fear,” music historian Dr. Alicia Morgan told [Outlet]. “It’s not a typical funeral hymn, but it makes sense for someone like Bush, who often spoke about redemption, grace, and the power of faith.”

Funeral planning isn’t unusual for presidents. The elaborate state funeral process is coordinated by the federal government but shaped by family wishes. Bush’s father, the late President George H.W. Bush, received a national farewell in 2018 at Washington National Cathedral, attended by presidents and first ladies from both parties.

At the time, Bush Jr. delivered an emotional eulogy, calling his father “a man of the highest character” and “the best dad a son or daughter could have.”

If the former president’s own plans mirror his father’s, “Oh, Happy Day” might one day echo through that same cathedral — a joyful ending to a life marked by leadership, faith, and family.

Now 79, Bush remains active in philanthropy and the arts, frequently appearing with wife Laura at events supporting veterans and education. This year, the couple attended memorial services for former President Jimmy Carter and former Vice President Dick Cheney, continuing their public role in moments of national reflection.

“Dad doesn’t dwell on the sad stuff,” Bush Hager said on Today. “He’s more about celebrating what’s good — and for him, that’s the ultimate happy day.”

Source: Today with Jenna & Friends / NBC, The Edwin Hawkins Singers, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993)