Barbara Walters has been hospitalized after she fell last night at an inauguration party and will be unable to contribute to ABC News’ coverage of the event.
Barbara Walters, 83, only suffered a cut to her head, but has been hospitalized “out of an abundance of caution”, according to ABC News’ spokesperson.
Because of her injury, the veteran newswoman will not contribute to Monday’s second inauguration of President Barack Obama.
Barbara Walters was in Washington to cover the inauguration events and tripped last night on a step at the residence of Britain’s U.S. ambassador, Sir Peter Westmacott, Politico’s Mike Allen first reported.
ABC News spokesman Jeffrey Schneider said that the fall left Barbara Walters with a cut on her forehead.
Jeffrey Schneider said today that “out of an abundance of caution”, Barbara Walters was taken to a hospital to get the cut treated and to receive a full examination.
He said Barbara Walters is alert “and telling everyone what to do”, which is “a very positive sign”.
It’s unclear when Barbara Walters might be released from the hospital, which ABC hasn’t identified.
According to TV Newser, Barbara Walters will not contribute to Monday’s ceremony and could be off the air for several days.
As it stands, Diane Sawyer and George Stephanopoulos will anchor the day’s events for the network.
Barbara Walters was TV news’ first female superstar, making headlines in 1976 as a network anchor with an unprecedented $1 million annual salary.
During more than thirty years at ABC, and before that at NBC, Barbara Walters’ exclusive interviews with rulers, royalty and entertainers have brought her celebrity status.
In 1997, Barbara Walters created The View, a live weekday talk show that became an unexpected hit.
Barbara Walters had heart surgery in May 2010 but returned to active duty on The View that September, declaring: “I’m fine!”
Even at her age, Barbara Walters continues to keep a busy schedule, including appearances on The View, prime-time interviews and her annual special, 10 Most Fascinating People.
