Bush 43 talks with daughter Jenna on Friday's 'Today' Show, unveils portraits of world leaders

On NBC's "Today Show" Friday, NBC correspondent Jenna Bush Hager will talk with her mom and dad, former First Lady Laura Bush and President George W. Bush, as her dad unveils 24 portraits of world leaders that will make up his first-ever art exhibit.  "The Art of Leadership: A President's Personal Diplomacy," will be on display at the Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas.

The former president, who has turned into quite a talented painter since leaving the White House, said he hopes it is realized he painted the portraits in "the spirit of friendship and that I admire them as leaders and was willing to give it a shot in terms of getting people to see how I felt about them."

His 2013 cardinal Christmas decoration hung on our tree this past holiday season. The former president has completed self-portraits, landscapes, pictures of animals, and even a portrait of Jay Leno that he presented to the comedian when he left "The Tonight Show."

Thirty-two-year-old Jenna has been with the "Today Show" since 2009, recently as part of the 2014 Winter Olympic coverage in Sochi, Russia, and afterward as a fill-in for Kathy Lee on NBC's "Kathie Lee and Hoda." She is married to Henry Hager, son of Virginia former Lieutenant Governor John Hager and his wife, Maggie. Jenna and Henry has one daughter, Mila, who will be a year old on April 13.

W appears as guest of Jay Leno and jokes, 'You're about to head out to pasture'

It was vintage George W. Bush Tuesday night as the former president and first lady appeared with Jay Leno on NBC's "Tonight Show." The opening exchange went something like this:

Jay Leno: "I know you've tried to stay out of the spotlight for the past few years so I was actually pleasantly surprised you accepted our invitation."

President George W. Bush: "Only because of you. (laughter) I mean you're about to head out to pasture (laughter) ... just wanted to see what you looked like before you got to the gate." (laughter)

Talking about a variety of subjects during the twenty-minute interview, W and Leno joked back and forth before being joined by Mrs. Bush to discuss the humanitarian work the Bushes do around the world and at home.

The former president emphasized his belief in laying low after leaving office:

Leno: "I know you've avoided talking policy for the last six or seven years. Explain why."

W: "I don't think it's good for the country to have a former president criticize his successor."

W didn't show up empty-handed and presented Jay with a caricature painting of Leno as they talked about the president's hobby of painting since leaving office.

The classy Bush family values would go far in today's toxic political atmosphere. He is missed. To see the entire 20-minute interview, check out the links:

President George W. Bush with Jay Leno on NBC's "Tonight Show":
 - Part 1
 - Part 2
 - Part 3
 - Part 4

For archives of the Bush Administration and the humanitarian work the president is still doing, check out these links:

George W. Bush Institute
George W. Bush Presidential Library
George W. Bush Center