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 It's being called a disturbing trend: paragliders with bombs. The Treasury isn't backing down from its Trump coin plan. Trump, Johnson aren't happy with pick for Super Bowl headliner. Trump thinks these Illinois officials should be in jail. Report an error