Former Florida Gov. Reubin Askew is gravely ill

TALLAHASSE, Fla. — Former Florida Gov. Reubin Askew issued a statement Wednesday saying that he was admitted to Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare on Saturday.

Over the past three months, he has suffered from aspiration pneumonia, hip surgery and, most recently, a stroke.

The statement says Askew's condition is being closely monitored by family members at his side, including his wife of 57 years, Donna Lou, son Kevin Askew and his wife Christine, and daughter Angela White.

The 85-year-old former governor served as the state's chief executive from 1971-1979. Before that, he represented the Pensacola area in the Florida Senate. After leaving office, he served as U.S. trade ambassador in the Carter administration.

WFTV