SHORT TAKES : Doctor Orders More Rest for Ella
Ella Fitzgerald was nearly recovered from exhaustion today but still needs several more days of rest in a hospital before returning to the United States, a spokesman said.
The 72-year-old jazz great was taken to Bronovo Hospital Monday after becoming ill in her hotel room. She was treated for exhaustion and dehydration.
“Her condition has improved much over yesterday. She’s sitting up in her bed and eating and drinking normally,” said Dr. Clifford Booker, a physician and friend traveling with her.
Fitzgerald wears a pacemaker but her heart was not affected, according to Booker.
Her health problems forced cancellation of her European tour, which was to begin tonight at a gala in her honor at the North Sea Jazz Festival in The Hague, and with appearances in Montreux, Switzerland, and Antibes, France.
Fitzgerald’s release date from the hospital has not been set, according to Booker, who said she will then return to her Los Angeles home.
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