Barbara Eden was forced to withdraw from her scheduled appearance at the Cinecon 62 Classic Film Festival due to a sudden illness, organisers announced on Saturday. The 95-year-old star of I Dream of Jeannie had been due to accept the Cinecon Legacy Award in person but had to cancel at the last minute, prompting her long-time co-star Pat Boone to step in and accept the honour on her behalf.

Festival organisers confirmed via Facebook that Eden was "deeply regretful" about the cancellation, having been looking forward to the event, but that she would still be honoured as planned. Boone accepted the award following a screening of their 1961 film All Hands on Deck and agreed to stay behind to sign autographs. The announcement came just two weeks after Eden marked her 95th birthday, with organisers and fans sending their best wishes for her recovery.