'Golden Girls' star Rue McClanahan revealed today she's in the hospital getting "maintenance on the old ticker," and will miss an appearance at a gala event in her honor. According to SFGate.com, McClanahan was hospitalized this week for heart bypass surgery. PinkPaper.com is reporting she's suffering from acute cardiac illness.
"My darlings, I'm just devastated that I am going to have to miss my own tribute," McClanahan, 75, said in a statement from her hotel room. "Unfortunately, my doctor has laid down the law, and I'm currently having some maintenance on the old ticker."
She added: "Trust me, I'd much rather be in San Francisco having fun and being adored by all of you."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
'Golden: A Gala Tribute to Rue McClanahan' was scheduled to take place Nov. 14 at the Castro Theatre in San Francisco and would have featured clips, a sing-along to the 'Golden' theme and look-a-like contest. McClanahan played saucy retiree Blanch Devereaux on the popular series.
The show's producer, Marc Heustis, told SFist.com he hopes to reschedule the event after the honoree heals up.
McClanahan's castmate Bea Arthur (Dorothy) died in April at 86, while Estelle Getty (Sophia) passed away last July at age 84. Betty White (Rose), 87, continues to be a busy actor in Hollywood, and recently made a cameo on '30 Rock' where Tracy Morgan's character called her to ask if she was going to die any time soon.
Hope she gets better
She's still working a lot.
