Former First Lady Barbara Bush Hospitalized at Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX with Pneumonia (Update: Realeased from Hospital)

88 year old, former first lady Barbara Bush was hospitalized at Methodist Hospital in Houston’s Texas Medical Center for a respiratory condition and early signs of pneumonia. The office of former President George H.W. Bush said in a written statement: “She is in great spirits, has already received visits from her husband and family, and is receiving fantastic care. Updates will be issued when warranted.”

Former first lady Barbara Bush was hospitalized today for early signs of pneumonia, but the family said she was “in great spirits.”

“Former first lady Barbara Bush was admitted to Methodist Hospital in Houston’s Texas Medical Center yesterday for treatment on a respiratory related issue,” family spokesman Jim McGrath said. “She has already received visits from her husband and family, and is receiving fantastic care.”

Bush, 88, whose husband George H.W. Bush was president from 1989 to 1993, used her prominence as first lady to champion numerous civic and charitable causes, primarily as an advocate for global literacy.

We wish her a speedy recovery!

UPDATE I: Former First Lady Barbara Bush Released from Hospital.

“I cannot thank the doctors and nurses at Houston Methodist enough for making sure I got the best treatment and got back to George and our dogs as quickly as possible,” the former first lady said in a statement Saturday.