Husband spends wife’s $700,000 on his mistress — after claiming he needed funds to pay off his gambling debts: suit

Former first lady Barbara Bush listens to a patient's question during a visit to the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital at Maine Medical Center in Portland, Maine, Thursday, Aug. 22, 2013. Bush read a children's book and introduced the patients to her dog during the visit. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

ROBERT F. BUKATY/AP

Former First Lady Barbara Bush, 88, seen in August, was admitted Monday to Houston Methodist Hospital, where she has been receiving treatment for a respiratory issue, according to the office of former President George H. W. Bush.

Former First Lady Barbara Bush has been hospitalized in Houston for a respiratory issue, according to the office of former President George H. W. Bush.

The 88-year-old was admitted to Methodist Hospital in Houston's Texas Medical Center on Monday.

RELATED: EX-PREZ GEORGE H.W. BUSH JOINS TWITTER

CHARLES KRUPA

Former President George H.W. Bush is seen with his wife in January. Bush's office released a statement Tuesday saying the former First Lady was 'in great spirits.'

A statement was released on Tuesday evening aimed at reassuring the public of her condition.

"She is in great spirits, has already received visits from her husband and family, and is receiving fantastic care," Bush's office stated.

INCREDIBLE HOT NEWS