Mitch McConnell, 84, releases new 'proof of life' photo

Senator Mitch McConnell, 84, released a new photo of himself and his wife, Elaine Chao, in an email late Monday morning, but he has still not spoken publicly in the 44 days since his hospitalization.

In the message, McConnell expressed regret that he could not attend a picnic in Western Kentucky this week. An attached note from his doctor said the senator continues to recover from a June fall and has kept up a strenuous course of physical therapy since his discharge.

Though McConnell has stayed silent in public, several prominent figures say they have spoken with him by phone.