The Governor of Alabama, Kay Ivey, has been hospitalized. She underwent what her office called a "minor procedure" yesterday, March 31.
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USA Today reports that the 81-year-old Republican leader had been experiencing some discomfort in her left side for several weeks. Gina Maiola, Ivey's communications director, shared that after monitoring the pain and feeling a little short of breath, Ivey decided to see her primary care physician yesterday, March 31.
What Happened to Alabama Governor Kay Ivey?
Following her visit, Ivey's doctor recommended an evaluation by a surgeon at Baptist Medical Center South, which is located in the capital city of Montgomery. It was determined that fluid was pushing against the lawmaker's lung.
"While it was not emergent, Gov. Ivey wanted to get the procedure done as soon as possible so she can quickly get back to 100 percent to wrap up the 2026 (legislative) regular session," said Maiola. "This afternoon, the governor successfully underwent a minor procedure at Baptist South to remove that fluid. Out of an abundance of caution, she will be monitored at Baptist South in the coming days."
Ivey Is a Survivor
Ivey is in her second full term in the Alabama governor's office. She is also a cancer survivor.
In September 2019, Ivey shared that doctors discovered a "tiny, isolated malignancy." She was then diagnosed with Stage I lung cancer.
She completed radiation treatments three weeks later. Ivey said she was expected to make a full recovery. Then, in January 2020, doctors stated that images showed an "excellent response to treatment with no concerning features."
"She will continue on routine surveillance imaging, but I consider Governor Ivey to be cured," said Dr. Alex Whitley of Central Alabama Radiation Oncology in a statement made at the time.
