HOUSTON — Barbara Bush, the former first lady, has been admitted to a hospital here for treatment of pneumonia. She is recuperating at the same hospital where her husband, former President George Bush, spent weeks overcoming bronchitis-related illnesses in 2012.

Mrs. Bush, 88, was admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital on Monday and remained there Tuesday evening. "She is in great spirits, has already received visits from her husband and family, and is receiving fantastic care," said Jim McGrath, a spokesman for the Bushes.

The mood was reported to be anything but tense. Late Tuesday evening, the former president and first lady enjoyed New Year's Eve together at the hospital, watching college football on television and, naturally, cheering for Texas as the Texas A&M Aggies played the Duke University Blue Devils.

Mr. Bush, 89, spent much of November 2012 at Methodist, undergoing treatment for bronchitis and a lingering cough. In November 2008, Mrs. Bush underwent surgery at Methodist for a perforated ulcer. Months later in March 2009, she had heart surgery at the age of 83.

Mr. Bush, the 41st president, has a form of Parkinson's disease and often uses a wheelchair or scooter to get around. Despite their bouts of illnesses, he and his wife have remained in the public eye in their hometown. Mrs. Bush has been a frequent visitor at schools, Houston Astros baseball games and events benefiting the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.