Former Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. says he had to be admitted to the hospital.

Falwell says an illness he's been battling has forced a change of plans.

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His wife, Becki Falwell, issued a statement from her husband on Sunday.

The statement reads:

Last week at an event with Liberty University students, I announced that we would have a big picnic on our family farm for graduating seniors. Unfortunately, this weekend I encountered another bout of symptoms resulting from the respiratory emboli that were first diagnosed last year. For the fourth time this year I was admitted to the hospital for a series of tests to address my labored breathing and other effects of the emboli. As a result, we regrettably must cancel the picnic this weekend. This is a major disappointment to us since we wanted to celebrate the success of the graduating students and show them our appreciation. To them, our entire family extends our sincere congratulations and fond farewell.

In March, Falwell went to NYU hospital after clots in his lungs.