Alabama Gov Kay Ivey hospitalized after undergoing minor lung fluid procedure

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican, was hospitalized on Tuesday after undergoing a minor procedure to remove fluid that was pressing against her lung, according to her office.

Ivey, 81, will be monitored at Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery in the coming days out of an abundance of caution, a spokesperson for the governor said in a statement.

The fluid was discovered on Tuesday when the governor went to her doctor because she was feeling discomfort in her left side and recently experienced some shortness of breath.

“For the last three weeks, Governor Kay Ivey has experienced some discomfort in her left side,” the statement said. “After monitoring the pain and recently feeling slightly short-of-breath, she made the decision to be seen again by her primary care physician earlier today.”

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While Ivey’s medical issue wasn’t urgent, but she wanted it taken care of quickly so she could recover before the legislative session ends.

“While it was not emergent, Governor Ivey wanted to get the procedure done as soon as possible so she can quickly get back to 100% to wrap up the 2026 Regular Session,” the statement said.

Ivey’s office did not specify how long she would be in the hospital.

“We are in touch with Governor Ivey, and she says she is determined to make a very speedy and full recovery,” her spokesperson said.

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Officials in Alabama and other states offered support for Ivey as she recovers from the procedure.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, a Republican, said he was thankful Ivey was “receiving excellent care from some of the finest medical professionals. She is in good hands, and I join so many Alabamians in praying for her swift and full recovery.”

Georgia GOP Gov. Brian Kemp said he and his family were praying for Ivey and wished her a speedy recovery.

“She has always been a fighter and we know she’ll fight through this too,” Kemp wrote.

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The Alabama governor announced in 2019 that she was undergoing radiation for lung cancer, describing it as a small localized spot. Her office said the following year that scans indicated the treatment was successful, and she was free of disease.

Ivey is term-limited and cannot run for re-election this year.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.