Mitch McConnell Discharged from Hospital After Minor Rib Fracture, Concussion from Fall

Ingrid Vasquez
·2 min read
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell goes on and off the floor during an all night session to consider the Republican healthcare bill on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC Thursday July 27, 2017.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell goes on and off the floor during an all night session to consider the Republican healthcare bill on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC Thursday July 27, 2017.
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

Melina Mara/The Washington Post via Getty Mitch McConnell

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has been discharged from the hospital after spending almost five days after taking a fall during a dinner event on Wednesday.

"At the advice of his physician, the next step will be a period of physical therapy at an inpatient rehabilitation facility before he returns home," McConnell's communications director David Popp said in a statement on Monday.

RELATED: Mitch McConnell Is 'Doing Well' and 'Eager' to Leave the Hospital After Concussion, Advisor Says

According to Popp, McConnell's medical team discovered over the weekend that the 81-year-old had suffered a minor rib fracture during the fall, along with a concussion that caused him to remain in the hospital "for a few days of observation and treatment." CNN reported that McConnell tripped at the Waldorf Astoria hotel, citing a source familiar with the incident.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, a Republican from Kentucky

Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images

"Leader McConnell's concussion recovery is proceeding well, and the leader was discharged from the hospital today," Popp said in the statement, adding that, "the leader and Secretary [Elaine] Chao are deeply thankful for the skilled medical care, prayers, and kindness they have received."

RELATED: Mitch McConnell Reelected as Republican Senate Leader, Defeating Challenger Rick Scott

McConnell and Chao, who served as United States secretary of transportation during the Trump administration, have been married since 1993.

The senator's longtime political adviser, Josh Holmes, told NBC News on Friday that he had been at the hospital with McConnell "the last two days" and that the Senator was walking around, asking staff questions, and was "eager" to leave and return to work.

After the incident, many politicians, including Texas Sen. John Cornyn sent well-wishes to McConnell.

The fellow Republican tweeted: "Sandy and I are praying for Leader McConnell's speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back in the Capitol soon."

Fellow Kentucky politician Congressman Hal Rogers also wished him a fast recovery, writing: "My wife Cynthia and I are praying for @LeaderMcConnell's swift recovery. As our Republican Leader in the Senate, we know that he is a tough and resilient fighter. On behalf of the Kentucky Delegation, I offer our support and prayers."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

In November, McConnell defeated Florida Sen. Rick Scott in the GOP's leadership election, making him the caucus's longest-serving leader since 2007.