George H.W. Bush Moved Out of Intensive Care Unit After Health Scare

In a Tuesday, June 12, 2012 file photo, former President George H.W. Bush, and his wife former first lady Barbara Bush, arrive for the premiere of HBO's new documentary on his life near the family compound in Kennebunkport, Maine. (Photo: AP)

(TheBlaze/AP) -- Former President George H.W. Bush's condition continued to improve Saturday, prompting doctors to move him out of intensive care, a spokesman said.

"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 Saturday. "The Bushes thank everyone for their prayers and good wishes."

Bush was hospitalized Nov. 23 for treatment of a bronchitis-related cough. He was moved to intensive care at the Houston hospital on Dec. 23 after he developed a fever, spending Christmas away from home.

Former President George W. Bush sits alongside former President George H.W. Bush, former First Lady Laura Bush, former First Lady Barbara Bush and Neil Bush in Washington, DC, January 7, 2009. (Photo: AFP/Getty Images)

On Friday, McGrath said Bush had improved since arriving in the ICU. He said he was alert and in good spirits and was even doing some singing.

After news of the prolonged hospital stay prompted fear for his condition, Bush's chief of staff Jean Becker said the former president told him to instruct family and friends to "please put the harps back in the closet."

Bush, the country's 41st president, is the oldest living former president by a few months.  And as Fox News notes, he is notoriously vivacious.  He has gone skydiving three times since leaving office, most recently on his 85th birthday.

McGrath said Saturday morning that future updates on Bush's condition would be made as warranted.

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