By Ovunc Kutlu
NEW YORK (AA) - Former President George H. W. Bush was moved to an intensive care unit (ICU) at a hospital Wednesday, while his wife was taken to the same hospital for a separate health issue, according to a statement by his office.
Bush, who is the oldest living American president and now 92-years-old, was admitted Saturday to Houston Methodist Hospital, but moved to the (ICU) so doctors could "address an acute respiratory problem stemming from pneumonia," the statement said.
"Doctors performed a procedure to protect and clear his airway that required sedation. President Bush is stable and resting comfortably in the ICU, where he will remain for observation," it said.
Bush’s wife, Barbara, 91, was also taken to the hospital earlier Wednesday "as a precaution after experiencing fatigue and coughing," the statement added.
Bush wrote a letter to President-elect Donald Trump on Jan. 10 that said he would not be able to attend inauguration ceremonies.
Bush served as the 41st U.S. president between 1989 and 1993, after holding the post of vice president from 1981-1989 during the presidency of Ronal Regan.
His eldest child, George W. Bush, was the nation’s 43rd president.