U.S.

Former President George H.W. Bush hospitalized

/ CBS/AP

HOUSTON -- Former President George H.W. Bush was hospitalized Tuesday night, a spokesman said.

Mr. Bush's office said in a statement the 90-year-old "was taken by ambulance to the Houston Methodist Hospital as a precaution after experiencing a shortness of breath earlier this evening."

An aide to Mr. Bush confirmed to CBS News that he is expected to be home in a few days, and that this stay is just "a hiccup."

The former president will stay in the hospital for observation at least overnight, the statement said. He spent nearly two months in the same hospital and was discharged in January 2013 after treatment for a bronchitis-related cough and other health issues.

White House spokesman Eric Schultz said late Tuesday, "The President has been made aware that President Bush was admitted to the hospital. President Obama and the First Lady send their good wishes to the former President and the entire Bush family during this holiday season."

Mr. Bush, who can no longer use his legs, most recently appeared seated in a wheelchair at an event in November at Texas A&M University with his son, former President George W. Bush.

In June, Mr. Bush celebrated his 90th birthday by making a tandem parachute jump near his summer home in Maine.

First published on December 23, 2014 / 10:25 PM EST

© 2014 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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