Former first lady Barbara Bush remains hospitalized at Methodist Hospital in Houston with a respiratory-related issue, a spokesman for her husband’s office said Wednesday.
CBS News confirmed that the 88-year-old matriarch of the Bush family is being treated for pneumonia and said to be responding well to treatment at a Houston hospital.
“She is in great spirits, has already received visits from her husband and family, and is receiving fantastic care,” the statement read.
Jim McGrath, a spokesman for the former president, said there was “nothing new to report” on Wednesday. The statement said updates would be released if her condition changes.
President Barack Obama released a written statement saying he hopes Bush gets well soon.
“Michelle and I send our best wishes to Mrs. Bush for a speedy recovery,” the president said. “Barbara is blessed to have both a loving, supportive family by her side and a vibrant spirit that we hope will have her feeling better soon. I know I speak for Americans everywhere when I say that our thoughts and prayers are with Barbara and her family on this New Year’s Day.”
Also Wednesday, former President Bill Clinton tweeted:
I'll be rooting for Barbara Bush's full recovery while she's rooting for Baylor today. All my best to her and @GeorgeHWBush.
— Bill Clinton (@billclinton) January 1, 2014
While her husband seems to have more health issues than his wife, Mrs. Bush did have heart surgery in March 2009 for a severe narrowing of the main heart valve. She also underwent surgery in November 2008 for a perforated ulcer and in 2010, she was admitted to the hospital after having a mild relapse of the thyroid condition, Graves disease, for which she was treated in 1989.
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