George W. Bush Has His Funeral Song Picked Out, According to Jenna Bush Hager

Jenna Bush Hager says her dad, former President George W. Bush, already has his “funeral song” picked out — and movie lovers may recognize the gospel hit from a beloved ’90s-era comedy.

Bush Hager shared the scoop while speaking to Savannah Guthrie on the Monday, Dec. 22, episode of Today with Jenna & Friends.

“This is a little morbid, but have you ever thought about a song you want played at your funeral? I have!” Guthrie, 53, asked Bush Hager during the broadcast, adding, “[It’s] ‘Take It to the Limit’ by The Eagles. I love that song so much. That’s my funeral song.”

It was then that Bush Hager, 44, revealed her dad’s selection.

“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.

While the celebrated gospel song — which serves as an expression of hope, faith and collective celebration — was popularized by The Edwin Hawkins Singers’ in 1968, some may know it well from 1993’s Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, starring Whoopi Goldberg.

One of the film’s most memorable moments occurs when Goldberg’s character, a Vegas singer disguised as a nun, encourages a shy high school student to sing the powerful song in front of an audience for the first time.

Bush, 79, was the 43rd president of the United States, taking office in January 2001 and serving two consecutive terms.

When a former U.S. president dies, their funeral typically follows the traditions of a state funeral, a ceremonial process that honors their service while allowing the public to pay their respects. While details of the funeral vary based on the family’s wishes, the observances are often coordinated by the federal government and may span several days.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The process usually includes lying in state at the United States Capitol, where the former president’s casket is placed in the Rotunda and members of the public can file past to honor them. A formal funeral service often follows at the Washington National Cathedral, attended by current and former political leaders, dignitaries and family members.

In 2018, a number of former presidents and key public figures, including Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Jimmy Carter, Donald Trump and Melania Trump, gathered to pay their respects to the Bush family during George H.W. Bush’s funeral at the National Cathedral. 

The occasion included a heartfelt speech from Bush Jr., who fought back tears during the emotional tribute.

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