Catherine Bach, the actress best known for her role as Daisy Duke on The Dukes of Hazzard, has been hospitalized in Los Angeles following complications from a recent surgery, according to reports. Her condition was described as serious, and public appearances scheduled for early November were canceled due to the emergency.
The 71-year-old actress’s hospitalization appears to stem from an embolism that developed after the procedure. Her former co-star Ben Jones shared the update publicly, asking fans to keep Bach in their thoughts as she begins her recovery.
Catherine Bach has been hospitalized at 71 years of age
Bach’s health issue first emerged when she canceled an appearance at Cooter’s Place in Nashville, citing medical concerns tied to the hospitalization. The cancellation came just days after her studio in Los Angeles reported the earlier fall, and the hospital admission followed quickly thereafter. Friends and fans who had been following her ongoing support engagements expressed alarm and concern, flooding social media with messages of hope and encouragement.
While detailed updates on her condition have been limited, sources say Bach remains under medical observation as doctors evaluate her recovery plan. It is not yet clear when she might be discharged, or when she may resume public appearances or filming commitments. Family and friends have requested privacy during this period, and at least one cancelled personal appearance has been rescheduled pending her return to health.
Fans are keeping the beloved television icon in their thoughts
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“Breaking news! Our dear Catherine Bach has just been admitted to the hospital in Los Angeles on an emergency basis,” reads the announcement on Facebook. “Catherine has an embolism that probably developed as a result of a recent surgery. We will keep you posted, and Catherine will share her story as soon as she is recovered.”
Bach rose to fame in 1979 when she joined the cast of The Dukes of Hazzard as Daisy Duke, the fashionable and quick-witted cousin to Bo and Luke Duke. Her role popularized the “Daisy Dukes” denim shorts, which became a cultural and fashion phenomenon well beyond the scope of the television show.
Over the course of the series from 1979 to 1985, Bach made the character an enduring pop-culture icon, turning a single costume piece into a recognized symbol of 1980s Americana. She later reprised the role in various reunions and continued to work in film and television, but it was her portrayal of Daisy Duke that cemented her place in entertainment history.