Barbara Walters announced on Monday that she would have surgery to replace a faulty heart valve.
“You know how healthy I have been – never missed a day’s work. Later this week, I am going to have surgery to replace one faulty heart valve,” “The View” co-host announced on Monday’s episode of her ABC talk show.
“Lots of people have done this. I have known of this condition for a while now and my doctors and I have decided that this is the best time to do the surgery,” the 80-year-old TV icon continued. “Since the summer is coming up, I can take a nice vacation.”
Walters said her fellow “View” ladies were not aware of the upcoming surgery until this morning.
“Earlier this morning, I told my wonderful pals here, as I am now telling you, and it will be a surprise to many friends,” she explained. “But, I thought it best not to talk about it too far in advance. I love you all.”
Walters, who expects the recovery process to take up to two months, said she plans on calling in to “The View” from time to time.
She also told her co-hosts that she’s not scared to have the surgery.
“Nobody wants to have this kind of surgery… I don’t think I’m really scared,” she said. “I’m glad it’s going to be over with… It’s been on my mind for a long time.”
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