HOUSTON – Former President George H.W. Bush is continuing to recover from pneumonia at a Houston hospital with his wife by his side, according to a statement released Tuesday.
Bush, 92, was hospitalized Jan. 14 after experiencing breathing problems. He was moved to the intensive care unit last Wednesday and had a breathing tube installed. The tube was later removed, and he was moved out of ICU on Monday.
Former first lady Barbara Bush, 91, was hospitalized just days after her husband and later diagnosed with bronchitis. She was discharged from the hospital Monday.
On Tuesday, a statement from the family said America’s oldest living president was sitting up, returning phone calls and talking with doctors, staff and visitors. He is working with physical therapists to regain his strength.
Barbara Bush returned to the hospital on both Monday and Tuesday as a visitor to be by her husband’s side, according to the statement.
On Monday, the former first family posted a picture on social media showing the Bushes smiling. The message thanked Americans for their prayers and good wishes.
President and Mrs @GeorgeHWBush thank their fellow Americans and friends from around the world for their prayers and good wishes. pic.twitter.com/PhpXXGKl6p
— Jim McGrath (@jgm41) January 23, 2017
Jim McGrath, spokesman for the family, earlier said it could take as long as two weeks before the former president is completely recovered.
PHOTOS: President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush through the years