George HW Bush released from the hospital

Former US President George HW Bush was released from Methodist Hospital in Houston today after nearly two months of treatment for bronchitis and other ailments, the Associated Press reported.

"I am deeply grateful for the wonderful doctors and nurses at Methodist who took such good care of me," Bush said in a statement, according to the AP. "Let me add just how touched we were by the many get-well messages we received from our friends and fellow Americans. Your prayers and good wishes helped more than you know, and as I head home my only concern is that I will not be able to thank each of you for your kind words."

The 41st US president "has improved to the point that he will not need any special medication when he goes home, but he will continue physical therapy," Dr. Amy Mynderse, the internal medicine physician in charge of his care, said in the statement, according to CNN.

Bush, 88, checked into Methodist Hospital on Nov. 23 for treatment of severe bronchitis, NBC News reported.

Bronchitis can become a serious condition in elderly people, and Bush spent time in the intensive care unit after he developed a fever that doctors could not bring down, NBC News reported.

Family and friends rallied to keep Bush's spirits up while he was convalescing.

According to CNN:

He received visits from family members including his wife over the Christmas holiday, and was serenaded by the gospel-turned-country quartet of the 1970s and '80s the Oak Ridge Boys.

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