Former President George H.W. Bush taken to hospital after shortness of breath

HOUSTON -- Former President George H.W. Bush was transported to a Houston hospital after he experienced a shortness of breath Tuesday evening.

Bush, 90, was taken by ambulance to Methodist Hospital. Spokesman Jim McGrath said the 90-year-old Bush "will be held for observation, again as a precaution."

Bush's wife, Barbara Bush, made a surprise visit with Houston Texans' JJ Watt at the Hobby Center this evening to perform 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.' It's not clear whether she was with the 41st U.S. president when he experienced his shortness of breath.

This isn't the first time Bush Sr. visited that hospital. In November 2012, he was hospitalized at the same facility for treatment of a bronchitis-related cough. He was not released until mid-January.

Bush, who can no longer use his legs, most recently appeared seated in a wheelchair at an event in November at Texas A&M University with his son, former President George W. Bush.

In June, the elder Bush celebrated his 90th birthday by making a tandem parachute jump near his summer home in Maine.

No other details were immediately available.

White House spokesperson Eric Schultz released a statement Tuesday night:

"The President has been made aware that President Bush was admitted to the hospital. President Obama and the First Lady send their good wishes to the former President and the entire Bush family during this holiday season."

The Associated Press contributed to this report