Billy Graham Released From Hospital Following Six-Day Pneumonia Bout

Billy Graham is back home for the holidays.

Fighting off his second bout of pneumonia this year, the 93-year-old preacher of the Gospel was discharged from Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C., and returned to his mountain cabin in Montreat late Tuesday afternoon, according to a statement posted on the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association website.

“I am grateful for the many thoughts and prayers expressed by individuals across the country and around the world during my stay at Mission Hospital,” Graham said in the statement.

According to Family members, Graham, who was hospitalized six days ago, had been battling a cold and other respiratory problems since before Thanksgiving.

Dr. Mark Hellreich, Graham’s pulmonologist during his stay, said his patient made good clinical progress — both from his response to antibiotics and in regaining his strength during physical therapy sessions.

According to the BGEA statement, Graham will continue his rehabilitation at home, with the goal of resuming normal activities — including a new writing project as soon as possible.

“We are gratified that he has had a good response to treatment and we’re committed to good home care to continue his improvement,” said Mr. Graham’s personal physician, Lucian Rice, MD.

Billy Graham’s 30th book, Nearing Home, which contains his thoughts on finishing a life well, came out in October.