George HW Bush Has Breathing Tube Removed, Breathing on Own

Former President George H.W. Bush was breathing on his own at a Houston hospital after a breathing tube was removed, a family spokesman said on Friday.

Bush, who at 92 is the nation's oldest living ex-president, remains in stable condition in the intensive care unit where he is being treated for pneumonia, spokesman Jim McGrath said in a statement. 

Bush is being treated for breathing difficulties stemming from pneumonia. He was admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital last weekend for shortness of breath but was later moved to intensive care when physicians put in a breathing tube.

McGrath said former first lady Barbara Bush also remained hospitalized on Friday, after spending her second night at the hospital. The 91-year-old checked into the same hospital on Wednesday for treatment of bronchitis. She reported feeling much better on Thursday after receiving medication and rest.

Bush was hospitalized on Saturday and has been in the intensive care unit since Wednesday, relying on a ventilator to breathe. 

The couple received "an uplifting visit" from longtime friends former Secretary of State James Baker and his wife, Susan, who also live in Houston, McGrath said.

President-elect Donald Trump and President Barack Obama have sent their well wishes, via Twitter and a news conference, respectively. Former President Bill Clinton also tweeted: "41 and Barbara — thinking about you both and sending wishes for a speedy recovery. Love, 42."

The Bushes son, former President George W. Bush, offered thanks on Instagram Thursday for messages "of love and support for Mother and Dad."

"Your prayers are working: 41 and Mom are doing much better today and fighting on," he said in his first public comments about their illnesses. He and his wife, former first lady Laura Bush, were at Trump's inauguration on Friday.

The Bushes were married Jan. 6, 1945, and have had the longest marriage of any presidential couple in American history.