Barbara Eden is speaking out after news broke that she had cancelled an appearance.
“It’s OK everyone! I’m OK!” Eden, 95, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, September 6. “Oh, my goodness there has been a bit of miscommunication. I’m not suffering from an illness; my doctor very recently prescribed a brand-new medication that turned out to have some nasty side effects. Due to the discomfort, my doctor ordered me to remain at home until it can be sorted out.”
She continued, “What awful timing for this to happen! My deepest appreciation to everyone for the concern. This is just a speedbump! I expect to be out and about as soon as I’m given the go-ahead! Again, my love and thanks to everyone for all the concern.”
Eden was scheduled to appear at the Cinecon Classic Film Festival in Los Angeles on Saturday, September 5, but pulled out hours before for what at the time was described as an “illness.”
“We’re sorry to share that, due to a sudden illness, Barbara Eden will no longer be able to appear in person at Cinecon tonight,” the official Cinecon Classic Film Festival account wrote via Facebook on Saturday. “Barbara is deeply regretful that she had to cancel at the last minute, as she had been very much looking forward to seeing everyone and celebrating with us.”
The message noted that Eden would still be “honored” at the event, where costar Pat Boone would be accepting the Cinecon Legacy Award on her behalf after the screening of All Hands on Deck.
“We know how many of you were excited to welcome Barbara,” the statement continued. “We appreciate your understanding and join you in sending her our best wishes for a speedy recovery.”
The event organizers then shared an official message from Eden, who called the decision to cancel her Cinecon appearance “so difficult.”
“I have been looking forward to seeing Pat and reminiscing about our time together filming All Hands on Deck!” she wrote via Facebook. “Over the years you, my fans, have enhanced my life and deeply touched my heart! As I moved from job to job I never imagined that I Dream of Jeannie, Harper Valley PTA, my movies or my appearances with Lucille Ball, Paul Newman, Andy Griffith or Bob Hope, to name a few, would have the lasting effect on people that it has.”
She continued, “Honestly during my career I just looked forward to the next job, always grateful I was fortunate to be working in a field that I loved so much. All of you here tonight, and my fans across the world have been a gift that in my wildest dreams as an actor I never expected or could have ever imagined! I’m continually humbled by your appreciation and support.”
Eden noted that she would be with the crowd “in spirit,” concluding, “I’m sending my heartfelt love to each and every one of you!”
