George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara, hospitalized in Houston President Obama: 'They are as fine a couple as we know'

Former President George H.W. Bush, 92, is in the intensive care unit at Houston Methodist Hospital for an acute respiratory problem stemming from pneumonia.

Also, Barbara Bush, 91, was admitted to Methodist Wednesday morning as a precaution after she began experiencing fatigue and coughing.

Methodist released a statement Wednesday that doctors performed a procedure on the former president, which it did not specify, to protect and clear his airway. The procedure required sedation.

"President Bush is stable and resting comfortably," according to the statement, but he will remain in ICU for observation.

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President Barack Obama referenced the Bushes' hospitalization in his final news conference Wednesday.

"We have been in touch with the Bush family today after hearing about President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush being admitted to the hospital this morning," said Obama. "They have not only dedicated their lives to this country, they have been a constant source of friendship and support and good counsel for Michelle and me over the years. They are as fine a couple as we know. And so we want to send our prayers and our love to them."



Bush's chief of staff, Jean Becker, had confirmed late Tuesday night that he was admitted to Methodist over the weekend. She said: "He's there. He's fine and he's doing really well."

As is the case with most people his age, the nation's 41st president has had his share of health issues in recent years.

Former President George H.W. Bush is shown with Hannah McNair and Texans owner Bob McNair before a Texans playoff game at NRG Stadium on Jan. 7. Former President George H.W. Bush is shown with Hannah McNair and Texans owner Bob McNair before a Texans playoff game at NRG Stadium on Jan. 7. Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 50 Caption Close George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara, hospitalized in Houston 1 / 50 Back to Gallery

In July 2015, he was taken to a hospital in Portland, Maine, after he fractured a bone in his neck in a fall at the family's summer home in Kennebunkport. He was "up and talking and out of bed" within a day after the fall.

The fall happened about six months after he was taken by ambulance to Houston Methodist for what his spokesman called "shortness of breath." He was released from the hospital about a week later.

In late 2012, Bush was admitted to the hospital for a bronchitis-related cough. He was later released, but returned the day after Thanksgiving because of a persistent cough. Bush was later admitted to intensive care and spent nearly two months at the hospital until his release in mid-January 2013.

Check back later for updates on this developing report.