I Dream of Jeannie’s Barbara Eden, 95, breaks silence after dropping out of latest appearance over ‘sudden illness’

Barbara Eden was forced to pull out of a recent public appearance due to some unfortunate health news.

The actress and ’60s TV icon, 95, was due to attend the Cinecon Classic Film Festival over Labor Day weekend in Los Angeles to receive the Cinecon Legacy Award.

However, due to illness, the star was forced to drop out. The event’s organizers shared the news on Facebook on Saturday, September 5, revealing she had developed a “sudden 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,” their statement shared on their official social media pages read.

“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,” it continued, with Cinecon then noting that her co-star from her 1961 film All Hands on Deck, Pat Boone, will be in attendance to accept the honor on her behalf.

“Although Barbara will not be able to join us in person, we will still be honoring her as planned. Co-star Pat Boone will accept the Cinecon Legacy Award on her behalf after tonight’s screening of All Hands on Deck (1961). Mr. Boone has also agreed to stay and sign autographs after the film.”

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Their statement concluded: “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. Thank you!”

However, the I Dream of Jeannie star soon returned to social media with a fresh image of hers to reassure fans she was okay. “It’s okay everyone! I’m okay! Oh, my goodness there has been a bit of miscommunication,” she penned. 

“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. What awful timing for this to happen! My deepest appreciation to everyone for the concern,” she clarified.

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“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.”

The 62nd edition of the festival, celebrating classic film and media, is slated from September 3 to 7 at the Landmark Nuart Theatre, with this year’s other honorees being Anna Maria Alberghetti, Nancy Kwan and Lainie Kazan.

Pat Boone, as planned, attended the festival for the screening of their film All Hands on Deck, and stuck around afterwards for a Q&A with the audience, to accept Barbara’s Legacy honor, and sign autographs for fans.

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Barbara has continued making public appearances in recent years, and in her latest interview with Entertainment Weekly, shortly before celebrating her 95th birthday, she expressed an interest in continuing to act as well. “If it’s well written, I’d probably do anything. If it’s well written,” she noted.