Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey hospitalized after minor procedure, aims for quick recovery

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey was hospitalized Tuesday at Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery after undergoing a minor procedure to remove fluid pressing against her lung, her office said. A spokesperson for the Republican governor said she will be monitored in the coming days out of an abundance of caution.

The fluid was discovered when Ivey, 81, visited her doctor due to discomfort in her left side and recent shortness of breath, the statement said. “For the last three weeks, Governor Kay Ivey has experienced some discomfort in her left side,” the release 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.”

The medical issue was not urgent, but Ivey wanted to address it quickly to recover before the legislative session ends, the statement added. Her office did not specify how long she would remain hospitalized. “We are in touch with Governor Ivey, and she says she is determined to make a very speedy and full recovery,” her spokesperson said.

Support poured in from Alabama officials and other states. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall expressed gratitude for Ivey’s care and prayed for her swift recovery. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp also wished her well, noting her fighting spirit.

Ivey previously announced in 2019 that she was undergoing radiation treatment for lung cancer, which was described as a small, localized spot. Her office said scans in 2020 indicated that the treatment was successful and she was free of disease. Ivey is term-limited and cannot seek re-election this year.

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