A smiling Bob Hope sat up in his hospital bed yesterday, planted a big kiss on his wife and assured concerned fans: “I’m doing OK.”
“I love you, dear,” the 97-year-old comedy legend told his delighted spouse Delores, who tightly clutched his hand, according to the star’s spokesman.
Hope remained in critical but stable condition at Eisenhower Medical Center in Palm Springs after emergency treatment for intestinal bleeding Thursday morning.
“He’s alert, smiling and shaking people’s hands. His wife’s at his side and you have to use a crowbar to get her away from him,” said his physician, Dr. Gary Annunziata.
The beloved funnyman will remain hospitalized for at least a week – but his ailment is not life-threatening and is common among older people, the doctor said.
“He’s 97 years old, and at 97, anything could happen; but he’s very strong and otherwise in very good shape,” Annunziata insisted.
“His condition naturally repairs itself in 90 percent of cases.”
Hope also has been transferred from the critical-care unit to a regular room.
“I’m doing OK,” said Ol’ Ski Nose as he chatted with doctors and nurses and received get-well calls from close friends.
He chatted with close pals such as former President Gerald Ford and his wife, Betty, and singer Rosemary Clooney, who often performed with him.
The hospital was flooded with thousands of get-well cards, faxes and flowers from fans wishing him a quick recovery.
The comic’s daughter, Linda, said her dad was heartened by all of the concern, and asked:
“Please keep my father in your prayers.”
Earlier this week, Hope and Delores, 91, had a joint birthday party, said Hope’s longtime friend and spokesman, Ward Grant.
“When people ask how Bob Hope is, I say he’s 97. We need to be reminded he’s 97,” Grant said.
“Yes, his eyesight is impaired and his hearing is, as well. But he’s fine and leading a very comfortable life – not playing rounds of golf, but hitting a couple of golf balls here and there.”