Bush 41: Barbara Heeding Advice from Obama, Clinton to Recover from Respiratory Ailment

Former first lady Barbara Bush remained in the hospital today after being admitted for a respiratory infection at the beginning of this week, but her husband tweeted that she’s following the advice of presidents Obama and Clinton to recuperate.

“Doesn’t happen w every President she knows!” former President George H.W. Bush quipped.

Family spokesman Jim McGrath said the 88-year-old has been “doing great and responding well” and has been visited by her husband, 89, who spent two months in the hospital recovering from a respiratory infection a year ago.

On her potential release from Methodist Hospital in Houston, “we’re hopeful that will take place sooner rather than later,” McGrath said.

The Bushes will mark their 69th wedding anniversary on Monday. They already hold the record as the longest-married first couple.

“Michelle and I send our best wishes to Mrs. Bush for a speedy recovery. Barbara is blessed to have both a loving, supportive family by her side and a vibrant spirit that we hope will have her feeling better soon,” President Obama said in a statement on Wednesday.

“I know I speak for Americans everywhere when I say that our thoughts and prayers are with Barbara and her family on this New Year’s Day.”

Barbara Bush is scheduled to read aloud to students about liberty at a Jan. 14 event hosted by the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum.

I’ll be rooting for Barbara Bush’s full recovery while she’s rooting for Baylor today. All my best to her and @GeorgeHWBush.

— Bill Clinton (@billclinton) January 1, 2014

Barbara thanks @BarackObama & @billclinton for their get-well wishes and is heeding their advice. Doesnt happen w every President she knows!

— George Bush (@GeorgeHWBush) January 2, 2014