Evangelist Billy Graham falls, breaks hip

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Jan. 7 (UPI) -- Evangelist Billy Graham was recovering in a Jacksonville, Fla., hospital Wednesday after falling and breaking his hip.

Graham, 85, of Montreat, N.C., was in a hotel room preparing for his semiannual checkup at the Jacksonville Mayo Clinic when he fell, Fox News reported.

As a result he received a partial hip replacement at St. Luke's Hospital.

Hospital officials said they did not know yet how long Graham would remain in the hospital. They said they expect him to recover completely.

"He's in good spirits," said Larry Ross, a spokesman for Graham.

Ross said Graham will need extensive physical therapy.

Graham has been treated for several ailments in recent years, including Parkinson's Disease and skin cancer.

Franklin Graham, his son, now operates the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.