Alabama Gov Hospitalized After Procedure To Remove Fluid From Lung

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey was hospitalized Tuesday after undergoing a minor medical procedure to relieve fluid buildup near her lung, according to her office.

The 81-year-old governor sought treatment after experiencing discomfort and shortness of breath, symptoms that had reportedly persisted for several weeks. Doctors at Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery performed the procedure as a precaution, with officials emphasizing that the situation was not considered an emergency.

“For the last three weeks, Governor Kay Ivey has experienced some discomfort in her left side,” her office 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.”

Medical staff identified fluid pressing against her lung, prompting the decision to move forward with treatment. While the condition was not deemed urgent, Ivey opted to address it quickly in order to minimize disruption to her duties.

“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.

Her office has not released a timeline for her discharge but noted that she is being monitored as a precaution. A spokesperson added that Ivey remains in close contact with her team and is focused on making a full recovery.

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

Support for the governor quickly poured in from officials across the region. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall expressed confidence in her care, stating, “She is in good hands, and I join so many Alabamians in praying for her swift and full recovery.” Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp echoed those sentiments, adding, “She has always been a fighter and we know she’ll fight through this too.”

Ivey’s health has been closely watched in recent years. In 2019, she revealed she was undergoing radiation treatment for lung cancer, and by 2020, her office confirmed she was cancer-free following successful treatment.

As a term-limited governor, Ivey is not seeking re-election this year. For now, her office has indicated no major changes to her official schedule beyond the immediate recovery period and has pledged to provide updates as she continues to heal.