Ex-Ambassador and Publisher Annenberg, 94, Is Hospitalized
Retired publishing magnate and philanthropist Walter H. Annenberg was in a hospital with an undisclosed illness Monday.
The 94-year-old former ambassador to Great Britain was hospitalized near his home in Rancho Mirage, about 100 miles east of Los Angeles, an employee in Annenberg’s business office in St. Davids, Pa., confirmed.
“We don’t know what the prognosis is, but we’re hoping he’ll get back home,” said the employee, who identified herself only as Joann. She said that Annenberg had been hospitalized several times in the past.
Coachella Valley developer and friend Tim Blixseth said Annenberg was taken to Eisenhower Medical Center in Rancho Mirage, although hospital officials would not say whether he was there.
Annenberg, who created TV Guide, is listed by Forbes magazine as the world’s 87th richest person, with $4 billion.
Annenberg was ambassador to Great Britain during the Nixon administration. He has given more than $1 billion to educational and medical causes.
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