Bush 41 Released From Hospital Before New Year’s Eve

Former President George H.W. Bush spent Christmas in the hospital, but the former president, 90, won't have to celebrate the new year at the Houston hospital to which he was admitted Dec. 23 for shortness of breath. He was released Tuesday, Reuters reported.

"President Bush was released from the Houston Methodist Hospital today," spokesman Jim McGrath said in a statement. "He is now resting at home, grateful to the doctors and nurses for their superb care."

It’s not the first time the 41st president spent Christmas in the hospital. In December 2012, he spent two months in an infirmary for bronchitis and a chronic cough. His spokesperson noted his most recent stay was different than his two-month stint and was more precautionary than anything else.

It was reported Saturday the former president’s condition was improving and he would probably be released shortly. "President Bush's condition has improved to the point that doctors have begun discussing dates for his discharge,” McGrath said in a statement at the time. “He will remain at the Houston Methodist Hospital through the weekend for further observation.”

Bush was a one-term president who served from 1989 to 1993. He has a type of Parkinson’s that has left him unable to use his legs.

Follow me on Twitter @mariamzzarella