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. 
 
 DEVELOPING STORY: A week before being hospitalized, Bush 41 sent letter telling Trump he couldn't attend inauguration 
 
 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 
 
 George H. W. Bush: His political career in photos 
 
 George Bush, 1964, Republican candidate for U. S. Senator from Texas. 
 
 Keep clicking to see more images. George H. W. Bush: His political career in photos 
 
 George Bush, 1964, Republican candidate for U. S. Senator from Texas. 
 
 Keep clicking to see more images. Photo: Tom Colburn, © Houston Chronicle 
 
 04/05/1964 - Dorothy Bush, 4, shows her support for her father, George Bush, who is a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, at a rally near Richmond, Texas. 
 
 04/05/1964 - Dorothy Bush, 4, shows her support for her father, George Bush, who is a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, at a rally near Richmond, Texas. Photo: Dell Van Dusen, Houston Chronicle 
 
 George Bush, Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate nomination, arrives at his headquarters in Houston, Texas, June 6, 1964. Bush will meet Democratic Senator Yarborough in the November general election. George Bush, Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate nomination, arrives at his headquarters in Houston, Texas, June 6, 1964. Bush will meet Democratic Senator Yarborough in the November general election. Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS 
 
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 less George Bush, candidate for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate, gets returns by phone at his headquarters in Houston, Saturday, June 6, 1964 as his wife Barbara, beams her pleasure at the news. Bush was leading his opponent Jack Cox in the run-off primary. Bush will face Sen. Ralph Yarborough (D-Tex) in the November general election if his lead holds and he is the winner. George Bush, candidate for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate, gets returns by phone at his headquarters in Houston, Saturday, June 6, 1964 as his wife Barbara, beams her pleasure at the news. Bush ... more Photo: Ed Kolenovsky, ASSOCIATED PRESS 
 
 GEORGE H.W. BUSH-GROUP. 06/07/1964 - Republican Senatorial candidate George Bush and his supporters look for a victory in November. 
 
 GEORGE H.W. BUSH-GROUP. 06/07/1964 - Republican Senatorial candidate George Bush and his supporters look for a victory in November. Photo: Richard Pipes, Houston Chronicle 
 
 06/08/1964 - U.S. Senate candidate George Bush with three of his sons, from left, Neil, Jeb and Marvin (seated); his wife, Barbara, and daughter, Dorothy. Bush's eldest son George is not in the photo. 
 
 06/08/1964 - U.S. Senate candidate George Bush with three of his sons, from left, Neil, Jeb and Marvin (seated); his wife, Barbara, and daughter, Dorothy. Bush's eldest son George is not in the photo. Photo: Dave Farmer, © Houston Chronicle 
 
 09/17/1964 - U.S. Senate candidate George Bush officially opens his state-wide campaign at a rally held in the Music Hall. 09/17/1964 - U.S. Senate candidate George Bush officially opens his state-wide campaign at a rally held in the Music Hall. Photo: Houston Chronicle 
 
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 Republican Senatorial candidate George Bush shows a victory sign as he and his wife Barbara stand in front of a vote machine November 3, 1964 in Houston,Tex., before casting their ballot. The candidate waited an hour and a half in a long line of voters that circled the Pilgrim Elementary School. less Republican Senatorial candidate George Bush shows a victory sign as he and his wife Barbara stand in front of a vote machine November 3, 1964 in Houston,Tex., before casting their ballot. The candidate waited ... more Photo: Anonymous, ASSOCIATED PRESS 
 
 11/03/1964 - U.S. Senate candidate George Bush with his father, former U.S. Sen. Prescott Bush, realize it's bad news when the election results come in Tuesday night. Bush lost to Democrat Ralph Yarborough. 
 
 11/03/1964 - U.S. Senate candidate George Bush with his father, former U.S. Sen. Prescott Bush, realize it's bad news when the election results come in Tuesday night. Bush lost to Democrat Ralph Yarborough. Photo: Jim Cox, Houston Chronicle 
 
 GEORGE H.W. BUSH-GROUP. 11/08/1966 - George and Barbara Bush celebrate his election to a seat in the U.S. Congress from the 7th district in Texas. 
 
 GEORGE H.W. BUSH-GROUP. 11/08/1966 - George and Barbara Bush celebrate his election to a seat in the U.S. Congress from the 7th district in Texas. Photo: Bill Cooksey, Houston Chronicle 
 
 11/08/1966 - Newly-elected Congressman George Bush flashes a winner's smile as his wife, Barbara, gives him a victory kiss following his election to a seat in the U.S. Congress from the 7th district in Texas. 
 
 11/08/1966 - Newly-elected Congressman George Bush flashes a winner's smile as his wife, Barbara, gives him a victory kiss following his election to a seat in the U.S. Congress from the 7th district in Texas. Photo: Jerry Click, Houston Chronicle 
 
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 George and Barbara Bush in Houston, Texas on the night which George Bush was elected to Congress, ca. 11/1966 
 
 George and Barbara Bush in Houston, Texas on the night which George Bush was elected to Congress, ca. 11/1966 
 
 Republican George Bush, left, has his hand raised in victory by newly elected Democrat Bob Eckhardt of the 8th Congressional District of Harris County. Bush, winner of the newly created 7th Congressional District of Harris County, won the election over Democrat Frank Briscoe, Eckhardt defeated W.D. Spayne of the Constitutional Party. The victory celebration took place in Bush's campaign headquarters late Tuesday night, Nov. 9, 1966. less Republican George Bush, left, has his hand raised in victory by newly elected Democrat Bob Eckhardt of the 8th Congressional District of Harris County. Bush, winner of the newly created 7th Congressional ... more Photo: Ed Kolenovsky, AP 
 
 
 
 less 12/26/1967 - Congressman George Bush left Houston Tuesday for a 16-day tour to look at "the other war" in Vietnam. Bush said he wanted to determine if the Vietnamese government and people are committed to the war effort. 12/26/1967 - Congressman George Bush left Houston Tuesday for a 16-day tour to look at "the other war" in Vietnam. Bush said he wanted to determine if the Vietnamese government and people are committed to the ... more Photo: Dan Hardy, Houston Chronicle 
 
 U.S. Rep. George Bush, Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, speaks at the opening of his Harris County campaign headquarters at 5005 Fannin Thursday, April 2, 1970. U.S. Rep. George Bush, Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, speaks at the opening of his Harris County campaign headquarters at 5005 Fannin Thursday, April 2, 1970. Photo: Sam C. Pierson Jr., © Houston Chronicle 
 
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 04/02/1970 - U.S. Rep. George Bush, Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, opens his Harris County campaign headquarters at 5005 Fannin Thursday, April 2, 1970. 
 
 04/02/1970 - U.S. Rep. George Bush, Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, opens his Harris County campaign headquarters at 5005 Fannin Thursday, April 2, 1970. Photo: Jim Cox, Houston Chronicle 
 
 U.S. Rep. George Bush, Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, opens his Harris County campaign headquarters at 5005 Fannin Thursday, April 2, 1970. U.S. Rep. George Bush, Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, opens his Harris County campaign headquarters at 5005 Fannin Thursday, April 2, 1970. Photo: Jim Cox, © Houston Chronicle 
 
 05/02/1970 - U.S. Senate candidate George Bush votes in the Texas Republican Primary election. 
 
 05/02/1970 - U.S. Senate candidate George Bush votes in the Texas Republican Primary election. Photo: Ray Covey, Houston Chronicle 
 
 U.S. Senate candidate George Bush and his wife, Barbara, rummage in her bag at their voting precinct in the Texas Republican Primary election 05/02/1970 . U.S. Senate candidate George Bush and his wife, Barbara, rummage in her bag at their voting precinct in the Texas Republican Primary election 05/02/1970 . Photo: Ray Covey, © Houston Chronicle 
 
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 05/30/1970 - George W. Bush (2nd from left) and his father, U.S. Rep. George H.W. Bush (far right, white shirt) participate in the 20-mile charity, "Walk for Mankind." Funds were raised for three volunteer service groups. Sponsors were solicited to pay for each mile walked by the participant. less 05/30/1970 - George W. Bush (2nd from left) and his father, U.S. Rep. George H.W. Bush (far right, white shirt) participate in the 20-mile charity, "Walk for Mankind." Funds were raised for three volunteer ... more Photo: Jim Cox, Houston Chronicle 
 
 
 
 less Rep. George H.W. Bush, R-Texas., who is seeking a seat in U.S. Senate, talks with a group of young people at a rally in Houston, Texas., on Oct. 9, 1970. Bush is opposed by Lloyd Bentsen, wealthy Houston businessman, who defeated Sen. Ralph Yarborough in the State Democratic Primary. Rep. George H.W. Bush, R-Texas., who is seeking a seat in U.S. Senate, talks with a group of young people at a rally in Houston, Texas., on Oct. 9, 1970. Bush is opposed by Lloyd Bentsen, wealthy Houston ... more Photo: Anonymous, ASSOCIATED PRESS 
 
 11/02/1970 - George Bush, candidate for U.S. Senate from Texas, thanks his supporters at downtown rally to wrap up his campaign. 
 
 11/02/1970 - George Bush, candidate for U.S. Senate from Texas, thanks his supporters at downtown rally to wrap up his campaign. Photo: Bill Thompson, Houston Chronicle 
 
 11/03/1970 - Barbara Bush and husband, George Bush, watch election returns at the Shamrock Hilton Hotel. U.S. Senate candidate George Bush lost to Lloyd Bentsen later in the evening. 11/03/1970 - Barbara Bush and husband, George Bush, watch election returns at the Shamrock Hilton Hotel. U.S. Senate candidate George Bush lost to Lloyd Bentsen later in the evening. Photo: Dan Hardy, Houston Chronicle 
 
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 less George W. Bush, center, joins his mother, Barbara Bush, and brother, Jeb Bush, rear, in Houston as father George Bush acknowledges defeat in Texas' 1970 U.S. Senate race. The younger Bush campaigned vigorously for his father in the race against Democrat Lloyd Bentsen Jr. George W. Bush, center, joins his mother, Barbara Bush, and brother, Jeb Bush, rear, in Houston as father George Bush acknowledges defeat in Texas' 1970 U.S. Senate race. The younger Bush campaigned vigorously ... more Photo: Sam C. Pierson Jr., Houston Chronicle 
 
 George Bush, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations is shown at U.N. headquarters in New York in 1971. 
 
 George Bush, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations is shown at U.N. headquarters in New York in 1971. Photo: Anonymous, ASSOCIATED PRESS 
 
 George Bush, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations is shown at U.N. headquarters in New York in 1971. George Bush, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations is shown at U.N. headquarters in New York in 1971. Photo: Anonymous, AP 
 
 Ambassador George Bush, chief U.S. delegate to United Nations, sits at General Assembly session in New York October 26, 1971, the day after he lost his battle to keep Nationalist China in the world body. Ambassador George Bush, chief U.S. delegate to United Nations, sits at General Assembly session in New York October 26, 1971, the day after he lost his battle to keep Nationalist China in the world body. Photo: John Rooney, AP 
 
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 Ambassador George Bush, left, permanent representative of the U.S. to the United Nations, confers with aides October 26, 1971 as the U.N. Assembly voted to admit the people's Republic of China. Ambassador George Bush, left, permanent representative of the U.S. to the United Nations, confers with aides October 26, 1971 as the U.N. Assembly voted to admit the people's Republic of China. Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS 
 
 George Bush, right, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, shakes hands with Indonesian Foreign Minister Adam Malik before the opening of the 26th General Assembly of the United Nations at the headquarters in New York, Tuesday, Sept. 21, 1971. less George Bush, right, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, shakes hands with Indonesian Foreign Minister Adam Malik before the opening of the 26th General Assembly of the United Nations at the headquarters in ... more Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS 
 
 12/23/1971 - Son George W. Bush looks on as his father, US ambassador to the United Nations George H.W. Bush, speaks to the news media. 12/23/1971 - Son George W. Bush looks on as his father, US ambassador to the United Nations George H.W. Bush, speaks to the news media. Photo: Fred Bunch, © Houston Chronicle 
 
 
 
 less George Bush is sworn in as new director of the Central Intelligence Agency by Supreme Court Associate Justice Potter Stewart, left, as Mrs Barbara Bush and President Gerald Ford, at right, look on at CIA headquarters in Langley, Va., January 30, 1976. Bush succeeds William Colby who retired. George Bush is sworn in as new director of the Central Intelligence Agency by Supreme Court Associate Justice Potter Stewart, left, as Mrs Barbara Bush and President Gerald Ford, at right, look on at CIA ... more Photo: Anonymous, ASSOCIATED PRESS 
 
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 William Colby, center, applauds as George Bush finishes remarks after being sworn in as director of the Central Intelligence Agency on Jan. 30, 1976, in Washington. William Colby, center, applauds as George Bush finishes remarks after being sworn in as director of the Central Intelligence Agency on Jan. 30, 1976, in Washington. Photo: AP 
 
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 Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 42 Caption Close George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara, hospitalized in Houston 1 / 42 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. ||||| FILE - In this April 2, 2016, file photo, former President George H. W. Bush waves as he arrives at NRG Stadium before the NCAA Final Four tournament college basketball semifinal game between Villanova... (Associated Press) 
 
 FILE - In this April 2, 2016, file photo, former President George H. W. Bush waves as he arrives at NRG Stadium before the NCAA Final Four tournament college basketball semifinal game between Villanova... (Associated Press) 
 
 HOUSTON (AP) — Former President George H.W. Bush has been hospitalized but the 92-year-old is "fine" and expected to go home in a few days, his chief of staff told area media early Wednesday. 
 
 Bush chief of staff Jean Becker tells the Houston Chronicle and KHOU-TV that the 41st president was recently admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital after becoming ill. 
 
 "He's there. He's fine and he's doing really well," Becker told the Chronicle. 
 
 Becker did not specify the reason the oldest living U.S. president was hospitalized. Both media outlets said his office expects him to go home in a couple of days. 
 
 Becker did not immediately return email or telephone calls to her office from The Associated Press. 
 
 Bush, who served as U.S. president from 1989 to 1993, has a form of Parkinson's disease and uses a motorized scooter or a wheelchair for mobility. He was hospitalized in Maine in 2015 after falling at his summer home and breaking a bone in his neck, and was hospitalized in Houston the previous December for about a week for shortness of breath. He spent Christmas 2012 in intensive care for a bronchitis-related cough and other issues. 
 
 Despite the loss of mobility, he celebrated his 90th birthday by making a tandem parachute jump in Kennebunkport. Last summer, Bush led a group of 40 wounded warriors on a fishing trip at the helm of his speedboat, three days after his 92nd birthday celebration. 
 
 His office announced earlier this month that Bush and his wife, Barbara, would not attend Donald Trump's inauguration this week due to the former president's age and health.
– Former President George HW Bush has been hospitalized in Houston but the 92-year-old is "fine" and is expected to go home in a few days, his chief of staff says. Bush chief of staff Jean Becker tells the Houston Chronicle that the 41st president was recently admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital after becoming ill. "He's there. He's fine and he's doing really well," Becker says. Becker did not specify the reason the oldest living US president was hospitalized, the AP reports. Bush has a form of Parkinson's disease and uses a motorized scooter or a wheelchair for mobility. His office announced earlier this month that Bush and his wife, Barbara, would not attend Donald Trump's inauguration this week due to the former president's age and health.