Debbie Reynolds was too ill to attend this weekend’s 7th Annual Governors Award in Hollywood, California—as the 83-year-old screen legend sent her actress granddaughter Billie Lourd to pick up the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in her place.
“I’m heartbroken that I’m unable to be there in person to receive this extraordinary honor,” said Debbie.
The Academy released a statement that Debbie was unable to attend because of “an unexpectedly long recovery from recent surgery.” The family has declined to release any further details on Debbie’s medical woes.
The actress released her latest shocking tell-all, “Make ‘Em Laugh: Short-Term Memories of Long Time Friends,” on Nov. 10, but hasn’t made any arrangements for personal appearances to promote the new book.
Debbie also appeared frail and tired at the 21st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles back on January 25, 2015—where she seemed to be leaning on her daughter Carrie Fisher for support while on the red carpet.
Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs learned of Debbie’s absence on Friday, and said: “We’re saddened to hear that Debbie won’t be able to personally accept her well-deserved Oscar.”
