Obamas offer well wishes to Barbara Bush

Associated Press

HONOLULU (AP) — President Barack Obama and wife Michelle Obama are wishing former first lady Barbra Bush a "speedy recovery" after she was hospitalized with a respiratory-related issue.

In a written statement Wednesday, the president says the thoughts and prayers of all Americans are with Mrs. Bush. Obama says she is blessed to have a loving, supportive family and, in his words, a "vibrant spirit that we hope will have her feeling better soon."

The 88-year-old was hospitalized on Monday in Houston, where she lives with her husband, former President George H.W. Bush. A spokesman for the former president says Mrs. Bush is in great spirits.

Obama issued the statement while vacationing with his family in his native state of Hawaii.