George HW Bush moved out of intensive care

Former President George HW Bush has been moved out of the intensive care unit at the Houston hospital in which he has spent the past month battling bronchitis, a lingering cough and, most recently, a persistent fever, the Associated Press reported.

"President Bush's condition has improved, so he has been moved today from the intensive care unit to a regular patient room at The Methodist Hospital to continue his recovery," family spokesman Jim McGrath said, according to the AP. "The Bushes thank everyone for their prayers and good wishes."

Bush, 88, had been in intensive care since Dec. 23, following the development of a stubborn fever, CNN reported.

More from GlobalPost: George H.W. Bush in intensive care

He was put on a liquid diet while in the ICU, according to CNN. It is not known if he has returned to eating normally.

On Thursday, Jean Becker, Bush's chief of staff, sent the former president’s supporters a note urging them not to worry about his condition, CNN reported.

"Is he sick? Yes. Does he plan on going anywhere soon? No. He has every intention of staying put," Becker wrote, according to CNN. "He would ask me to tell you to please put the harps back in the closet."

Bush, the 41st president of the United States, is currently the country’s oldest living president, the AP reported.