Former First Lady Barbara Bush Hospitalized Due to Respiratory Issues

Former First Lady Barbara Bush remained hospitalized at Houston's Texas Medical Center on Wednesday, Jan. 1. She was admitted two days before for a respiratory-related problem.

The 88-year-old is the wife of the 41st president George H.W. Bush. According to a statement released by her husband's office, the Former First Lady is in "great spirits, has already received visits from her husband and family, and is receiving fantastic care. Updates will be issued when warranted."

Jim McGrath, the spokesman for the former president, said that there was "nothing new to report" on Wednesday night.

President Obama also sent his best wishes to Mrs. Bush. "Michelle and I send our best wishes to Mrs. Bush for a speedy recovery," the president said in a written statement. "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.

"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."

Former President Bill Clinton took to Twitter to send his best wishes, saying: "I'll be rooting for Barbara Bush's full recovery while she's rooting for Baylor today. all my best to her and @GeorgeHWBush."

McGrath also said that Barbara had been receiving visits from her 89-year-old husband, who was also hospitalized last year due to bronchitis.

In 2008, the Former First Lady underwent surgery at Methodist Hospital to close a hole in her small intestine due to ulcer.  In 2009, the Bush family matriarch also had heart surgery for replacing an aortic valve.