Evangelist Billy Graham returned to his home in Montreat on Tuesday after a two-day hospitalization for bronchitis.

Graham was admitted to Mission Hospital in Asheville early Sunday morning and responded quickly to treatment.

“Catching these types of pulmonary infections early is crucial for a fast recovery, as was the case for Mr. Graham,” said Dr. Daniel Fertel, Mission Hospital pulmonologist. “Despite this illness, he remains remarkably healthy for a 93-year-old man.”

In a statement released by the hospital Tuesday afternoon, Graham expressed his gratitude to the hospital staff.

“It is never easy going to the hospital, but the doctors and nurses here provided me with wonderful care,” Graham said. “… I am also grateful for the prayers and letters I received from people across the country and around the world during my short stay. Such an outpouring of love and support is always a blessing but was especially appreciated during my hospitalization.”

While recuperating and receiving antibiotics Sunday, Graham watched the televised service of his home church, First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, where his grandson, Will, was giving a guest sermon.

Later Sunday he ate lunch and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon with his daughter, Gigi, and one of his grandchildren.

He also watched closing ceremonies of the Olympics, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association reported.

"The ceremony brought back fond memories of various crusades Mr. Graham held in the UK and in Rio de Janeiro, the host city for the next summer Olympics, over seven decades of public ministry," said Graham spokesman A. Larry Ross.

Graham was previously hospitalized for pneumonia in November 2011 and continued an ongoing program of physical therapy and normal activity shortly after his release, according to his staff.

The association stated that Graham has remained in good overall health during the past year although he remains at home in Montreat due to age-related conditions.

He is currently working on a manuscript for a book summarizing his ministry over the past seven decades.

Graham’s son Franklin leads both the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan’s Purse, located in Boone.