Former Utah Gov. Cal Rampton is under hospice care after suffering from internal bleeding last week.

According to Utah Democratic Party chairman Wayne Holland, the bleeding is tied to kidney troubles. It is an unexpected turn in Rampton's health. The former governor is 93.

"It happened pretty quickly," Holland said. "Two or three weeks ago, he seemed healthy, but things turned fast."

Rampton was Utah's governor from 1965-77. His wife, Lucybeth, died in 2004.

Even when not an elected official, Rampton remained active in Democratic politics in Utah. He is still often cited as an inspiration by Democrats seeking office, and his success used as a model, especially at the state level.