AUSTIN, Texas (REUTERS) - Former US President George H.W. Bush, 90, was released from a Houston hospital on Tuesday after a week-long stay brought on by breathing difficulties, his spokesman said.

"President Bush was released from the Houston Methodist Hospital today," spokesman Jim McGrath said in a statement.

"He is now resting at home, grateful to the doctors and nurses for their superb care."

Bush was taken by ambulance to Houston Methodist Hospital the night of Dec 23 and admitted for observation after experiencing shortness of breath, McGrath said.

Bush, who served one term as the 41st president from 1989 to 1993, was admitted to the same hospital in November 2012 for bronchitis and related ailments.

He was so ill at one point that he was believed to be near death but recovered and was allowed to go home after seven weeks.

His eldest son, former President George W. Bush, published a best-selling book this year about his father, entitled 41 - A Portrait Of My Father.