Advertisement

Barbara Walters taking time off from ‘The View’ for heart surgery

Share

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Barbara Walters, the 80-year-old creator of ‘The View,’ announced on the show Monday that she’ll be taking time off starting ‘later this week’ for surgery to replace a heart valve.

Her co-hosts got the news Monday morning shortly before viewers did. ‘I thought it best not to talk about it too far in advance,’ Walters said.

Advertisement

The recovery process is expected to take one to three months. With a break in July and hiatus in August, Walters and her doctor decided that now was a good time to take care of business. Walters said she’s known about the problem for ‘many months.’

‘You scared?’ asked Whoopi Goldberg.

‘Oh, only you would ask that question,’ Walters replied -- laughing and making the point that ‘it’s not elective, it’s not like ... having your face lifted.’ After praising her doctors and mentioning the support of her daughter, she continued: ‘I don’t think I’m really scared; I’m glad it’s going to be over with. It’s going to be taken care of.’

She plans to come ‘roaring back’ in September.

Click here to watch video of Walters’ announcement and the discussion that followed.

-- Christie D’Zurilla

At the Ministry, we worry about celebs who are under the weather. If you worry too -- or just want the headlines -- follow us on Twitter (we’re @LATcelebs) or put us in your news feed on Facebook.

Advertisement