New York - Veteran ABC newswoman Barbara Walters has fallen at an inauguration party at an ambassador's home in Washington and has been admitted to hospital.
Walters, 83, fell on Saturday night on a step at the residence of Britain's ambassador to the United States, Peter Westmacott, ABC News spokesperson Jeffrey Schneider said. The fall left Walters with a cut on her forehead, he said.
Walters, out of an abundance of caution, went to hospital for treatment of the cut and for a full examination, Schneider said on Sunday. She was alert and was “telling everyone what to do, which we all take as a very positive sign”, he said.
It was unclear when Walters might be released from the hospital, which ABC didn't identify.
Walters was TV news's first female superstar, making headlines in 1976 as a network anchor with an unprecedented $1-million annual salary. During more than three decades at ABC, and before that at NBC, her exclusive interviews with rulers, royalty and entertainers have brought her celebrity status. In 1997, she created The View, a live weekday talk show that became an unexpected hit.
Walters had heart surgery in May 2010 but returned to active duty on The View that September, declaring, “I'm fine!”
Even in her ninth decade, Walters continues to keep a busy schedule, including appearances on The View, prime-time interviews and her annual special, 10 Most Fascinating People. - Sapa-AP