US | Barbara Bush Barbara Bush Hospitalized Statement says former first lady is receiving 'fantastic care' By Newser Editors and Wire Services Posted Dec 31, 2013 8:19 PM CST Copied Former first lady Barbara Bush holds her dog Tess, a maltipoo, during a visit to the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty) Former first lady Barbara Bush has been hospitalized in Houston with a respiratory-related issue. A statement tonight from the office of her husband, former President George HW Bush, said she was admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital yesterday. The statement says the 88-year-old is "in great spirits" and is getting "fantastic care." The statement says she's received visits from her husband and family, and that updates will be issued when warranted. Just last week, Mrs. Bush and her husband honored a Houston businessman and philanthropist with a Points of Light Award, a volunteer service award started by the former president. Read These Next Savannah Guthrie will start the new year in silence. Early takeaways from the new release of Epstein files. Trump now has 14 drug makers on his side. Kiss cam woman slams Gwyneth: 'What a hypocrite.' Report an error