President George H.W. Bush's health continues to improve
Former President George H.W. Bush’s condition is improving and he is being transitioned out of an intensive care unit. And former first lady Barbara Bush has been discharged from the hospital.
The 92-year-old former president was hospitalized in Houston on January 14th due to a case of bacterial pneumonia. Barbara Bush was also hospitalized due to a coughing fit.
On Monday afternoon, a spokesman posted a photo on Twitter showing the couple smiling in the hospital room where Mr. Bush is recuperating. “President and Mrs @GeorgeHWBush thank their fellow Americans and friends from around the world for their prayers and good wishes,” the tweet said.
According to a Sunday statement from the President George H.W. Bush’s office, Mrs. Bush was given the option of being released that day, but elected to spend the night “to continue her recovery and to be closer to her husband.”
The ailments prevented both Bushes from attending President Trump’s inauguration on January 20th. Mr. Bush, a World War II veteran, is the oldest living former president.
“Barbara and I are so sorry we can’t be there for your inauguration on January 20th,” Mr. Bush wrote in a letter to Mr. Trump on January 10th.
“My doctor says if I sit outside in January, it likely will put me six feet under. Same for Barbara. So I guess we’re stuck in Texas.”
Mr. Bush, though still hospitalized, is said to be in high spirits and making jokes with the staff. He is no longer dependent on mechanical assistance for breathing.
The former president could be released as early as this coming weekend, according to a doctor at Houston Methodist.
