Country legends the Oak Ridge Boys serenaded an ailing George H.W. Bush over the phone Friday, reaching the former president at Houston’s Methodist Hospital where he was being treated for bronchitis and a fever. While on break for the holidays, the group got a request from former first lady Barbara Bush, who asked they sing for her husband.

The Oaks met at their office Friday and contacted the Bushes to perform "Elvira" and a verse of "Amazing Grace." A statement from the Bush’s office says, "This friendship goes back many years...and what happened [Friday] gave the president a real shot in the arm." The 88-year-old was moved out of intensive care Saturday.