Governor Kay Ivey Recovering After Minor Procedure to Remove Lung Fluid

MONTGOMERY — Alabama Governor Kay Ivey is recovering in the hospital after undergoing a minor procedure to remove fluid that had been pressing against one of her lungs, her office confirmed Tuesday.

The 81-year-old governor had the procedure at Baptist Medical Center South in Montgomery Tuesday afternoon and is expected to remain hospitalized for a few days for monitoring.

According to Ivey’s spokesperson, Gina Maiola, the governor had experienced discomfort on her left side for the past three weeks and had recently felt shortness of breath. After consulting with her primary care physician, she was referred to a surgeon, who identified fluid pressing against her lung.

“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,” Maiola said. “This afternoon, the governor successfully underwent a minor procedure at Baptist South. Out of an abundance of caution, she will be monitored in the coming days. We are in touch with Governor Ivey, and she says she is determined to make a very speedy and full recovery.”

This is not the first time Ivey has faced health challenges while in office. In September 2019, she was diagnosed with stage 1 lung cancer after a malignant spot was discovered on her lung. Following radiation treatment, she announced in January 2020 that she was cancer-free. She was also treated for dehydration during a campaign rally in November 2024.

Ivey, a Republican, is completing her second full term as Alabama’s governor, having first assumed office in 2017 following the resignation of former Governor Robert Bentley. She is the state’s longest continuously serving governor.

Officials say Governor Ivey’s recovery is progressing well, and she remains committed to finishing the legislative session.