MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama’s Governor Kay Ivey is receiving hospital care following a medical procedure to drain fluid that had accumulated around her lung, according to her office.
The 81-year-old Republican leader is being observed at Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery for several days as a precautionary measure, announced spokeswoman Gina Maiola in a statement.
Ivey sought medical attention after experiencing discomfort on her left side and recent episodes of breathing difficulties, which led doctors to discover the fluid buildup.
“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,” Maiola stated. Alabama’s legislative session is nearing its conclusion.
Officials have not disclosed the expected duration of the governor’s hospital stay or recovery period.
“We are in touch with Governor Ivey, and she says she is determined to make a very speedy and full recovery,” Maiola reported.
In 2019, Ivey revealed she was receiving radiation therapy for lung cancer, which she characterized as a small, contained lesion. Her office reported in 2020 that medical scans showed the treatment had been effective and she was cancer-free.
