Former President George HW Bush Admitted to ICU, Barbara Bush Hospitalized

The former president, 92, is being monitored as a precaution.

ByABC News
January 18, 2017, 2:20 PM

— -- Former President George H.W. Bush and former first lady Barbara Bush have been hospitalized in Houston, according to his office.

George Bush, 92, was admitted to the intensive care unit at Houston Methodist Hospital to "address an acute respiratory problem stemming from pneumonia," his office said in a statement.

"Doctors performed a procedure to protect and clear his airway that required sedation," the statement read. "President Bush is stable and resting comfortably in the ICU, where he will remain for observation."

As a precaution, Barbara Bush, 91, was also admitted to the Houston Methodist Hospital this morning for fatigue and coughing, the statement said.

In his final presidential press conference this afternoon, President Obama said he had been in touch with their family about the Bushes' conditions.

"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," Obama said. "They are as fine a couple as we know, and so we want to send our prayers and our love to them. Really good people."

This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.

ABC News' Gina Sunseri contributed to this report.

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