Doctors remove fluid buildup from outside the Governor's lungs

March 31, 2026 – MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R) was admitted to Baptist South Hospital today for a procedure to remove fluid that was pushing against her lung causing the Governor discomfort.

"For the last three weeks, Governor Kay Ivey has experienced some discomfort in her left side," the Governor's office said in a statement. "After monitoring the pain and recently feeling slightly short-of-breath, she made the decision to be seen again by her primary care physician earlier today. After he recommended she be evaluated by a surgeon at Baptist Medical Center South, it was determined there was some fluid pushing 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. This afternoon, the governor successfully underwent a minor procedure at Baptist South to remove that fluid. Out of an abundance of caution, she will be monitored at Baptist South 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."

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey's most significant publicly known illness was her 2019 lung cancer diagnosis, when doctors discovered a small malignant spot on her lung. She underwent a specialized outpatient radiation treatment at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), and by early 2020 her medical team reported that the cancer was successfully treated and showed no signs of returning. Her office has repeatedly emphasized in subsequent years that she remains "healthy and cancer‑free," including during a 2022 wave of rumors about her health.

In addition to her cancer treatment, Ivey has experienced at least one other notable medical issue: in 2025 she underwent a procedure to remove fluid pressing on her lung, after several weeks of discomfort and mild shortness of breath. The condition was treated promptly, and her office reported that she recovered well. Beyond these documented events, there have been periodic rumors about her health or cognitive decline, but state officials-including legislators who work closely with her-have publicly stated that she remains mentally sharp and capable, noting only normal age‑related slowing in mobility.

Governor Ivey is 81.