Billy Graham Released From Hospital After Bout With Bronchitis

Billy Graham has been released from a North Carolina hospital after a two-day stay to treat a case of bronchitis.

Representatives for the 93-year-old Christian evangelist said Graham was released from Mission Hospital in Ashevile, North Carolina, on Tuesday. He was taken there Sunday after coming down with a slight temperature, Reuters reported.

Billy Graham is seen as one of the most influential religious leader in the United States over the course of the 20th century. His bout with bronchitis drew attention worldwide, and his quick recovery was taken as a good sign after he was hospitalized in 2011. Then he spent 11 days in a hospital for a bout with pneumonia.

“Mr. Graham had a quick recovery and responded very well to his treatment,” said Dr Daniel Fertel in a statement. “Catching these types of pulmonary infections early is crucial for a fast recovery, as was the case for Mr. Graham.”

Billy Graham said he was “grateful for the exceptional care” he got while in the hospital.

“I am also grateful for the prayers and letters I received from people across the country and around the world during my short stay,” Graham said. “Such an outpouring of love and support is always a blessing but was especially appreciated during my hospitalization.”

Graham’s representatives noted that he felt good enough to watch the closing ceremonies of the 2012 London Olympics when he got home on Sunday.

“[Graham] watched the closing ceremony of the London Olympics from his bed on Sunday evening,” representative A. Larry Ross told WBTV, “which brought back fond memories of various crusades he has held in the UK over seven decades of public ministry, as well as in Rio de Janeiro, host city for the next Summer Games.”

The hospitalization hasn’t slowed down Billy Graham. His representatives noted that he plans on continuing his close involvement with ministry and writing projects.