Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey, 81, was hospitalized Tuesday after undergoing a minor medical procedure to remove fluid that had built up and was pressing against her lung. Her office described the issue as non-emergent, but the governor opted to address it promptly to ensure a quick recovery ahead of the end of the 2026 legislative session.
Ivey had been experiencing discomfort on her left side for approximately three weeks. She recently also felt slightly short of breath, prompting her to consult her primary care physician again. The doctor recommended evaluation by a surgeon at Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery, where medical staff determined that fluid was pushing against one of her lungs. The procedure to drain the fluid was successfully performed Tuesday afternoon.
Out of an abundance of caution, Ivey is being monitored at the hospital for the coming days. A spokesperson emphasized that the situation was not considered an emergency, and the governor remains in regular contact with her staff while focusing on recovery. “We are in touch with Governor Ivey, and she says she is determined to make a very speedy and full recovery,” the office stated. No specific discharge timeline has been released.
Ivey’s team noted her desire to return to full strength quickly. “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,” the statement read. Her office has pledged to provide timely updates on her condition.
State and regional leaders expressed support following the announcement. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said he was grateful she was receiving care and joined many Alabamians in praying for her swift recovery. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp added that Ivey “has always been a fighter and we know she’ll fight through this too,” offering prayers from his family as well.
This health development comes years after Ivey’s previous battle with lung cancer. In 2019, she announced she had been diagnosed with Stage I lung cancer after doctors discovered a small, isolated malignancy. She underwent radiation treatment, which her office reported in 2020 was successful, with follow-up imaging showing no evidence of disease and her doctor declaring her cured at the time.
Ivey is currently serving her second full term as governor and is term-limited, meaning she cannot seek re-election in 2026. Her office has indicated no immediate changes to her official schedule beyond the necessary recovery period.
