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Actress Rue McClanahan, star of the TV series The Golden Girls, was hospitalized earlier this week due to acute cardiac illness

The hospitalization and surgery came after McClanahan doctor discoveed the illness after a routine checkup.

McClanahan, 74, was forced to cancel her participation in a gala to be held in her honor on November 14 at Castro Theater in San Francisco, California.

The sad news was announced Thursday by the actress herself, in a release, although she was still under the care of a cardiologists:

“My darlings, I’m just devastated that I am going to have to miss my own tribute,” McClanahan, 75, said in a statement from her hotel room Thursday. “Unfortunately, my doctor has laid down the law, and I’m currently having some maintenance on the old ticker,” she added. “Trust me, I’d much rather be in San Francisco having fun and being adored by all of you.”

She has played the role of Blanche Devereaux in the cult series for over seven years.  Marc Huestisa, organizer of the Golden Gala: A Gala Tribute to Rue McClanahan, announced Thursday it would postpone the event to a later date. It will thus McClanahan received the honors it deserves when it is back up.

On 25 April, Bea Arthur, co-star in McClanahan The Golden Girls, died at her home in Los Angeles as a result of cancer. She was 86.