Barbara Eden has assured fans she's "ok" after she cancelled an appearance at a film festival due to a "sudden illness"
I Dream of Jeannie star had been due to attend the Cinecon Classic Film Festival in Los Angeles on Saturday (05.09.26) to collect her Cinecon Legacy Award in person, but organisers broke the news of her absence shortly before she had been scheduled to appear and it sparked fears for her health. However, Barbara has now insisted there's been a "bit of miscommunication" and she's not seriously ill. In a statement posted on Instagram, she explained: "It’s OK everyone! I’m OK!. Oh, my goodness there has been a bit of miscommunication."
She went on to add: "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 went on to conclude: "What awful timing for this to happen! My deepest appreciation to everyone for the concern. This is just a speed bump! 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."
Organisers of the Cinecon Classic Film Festival previously sparked fears for Barbara when they released a statement explaining she would be unable to attend the event.
In a post on Facebook, they wrote: “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"
Organisers added that Barbara was “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”.
They concluded the statement by writing: “We know how many of you were excited to welcome Barbara. We appreciate your understanding and join you in sending her our best wishes for a speedy recovery."
Despite Barbara’s absence, her former co-star Pat Boone - who appeared with her in All Hands on Deck in 1961 and The Yellow Canary in 1963 - continued to honour the actress as was planned.
All Hands on Deck screened for fans, with Pat staying on after the film’s showing to sign autographs for fans.
Barbara had been set to receive the Cinecon Legacy Award alongside fellow screen stars Nancy Kwan and Lainie Kazan. However, her fellow honouree Anna Maria Alberghetti, 90, was also unable to attend in person to collect the award.
