- Dick Van Dyke had to back out of his "Vandy Camp" event on June 28 due to health concerns.
- Dick's wife Arlene Silver informed the audience of the reason behind his absence.
- Fans sent their love and support to Dick online.
Dick Van Dyke may still be impressing fans at 99, but even he sometimes needs to tend to his health.
Over the last few months, the famed actor has been gathering fans together for an event dubbed "Vandy Camp." Starring Dick, his wife Arlene Silver (whom he wed in 2006) and special guests, the program sees him talking about his career, features musical performances and allows the star to interact with fans who want to celebrate his legacy.
While Dick was supposed to attend the latest Vandy Camp event at the Arlene and Dick Van Dyke Theater at Malibu High School in California on June 28, fans got a disappointing update about Dick's presence. As Arlene shared with the crowd, Dick wouldn't be attending due to health concerns — and she had an explanation about what happened.
"I have to inform you that Dick is not up to coming to celebrate with us today," she told the audience, via People. "I'm sorry. When you're 99 and a half years old, you have good days and bad days ... and unfortunately, today is not a good day for him, and he's sick that he can't be here."
Even though Dick wasn't able to attend the event, Arlene did acknowledge how the event was about more than just her husband making an appearance. She assured attendees that their presence was more than enough, and their shared love for Dick would be something to bond over during the festivities.
"It is a celebration of your childhood, all of our childhoods, the music that's in the fabric of all of us," she added. "Dick Van Dyke is a big part of that ... These Vandy Camp [events] are a wonderful opportunity to have you all in the same room and meet each other."
When news of Dick's health update began to circulate on social media, it didn't take long for fans to take to the comments and rally around him in support.
"Hope you are feeling better today. Sending ❤️ to you and Arlene," one person wrote on Instagram. "🙏🙏🙏❤️ WE LOVE YOU DICK," another wrote on a separate Instagram post. "A lovely man with a special place in my heart ❤️," a different follower added.
While it's unclear what type of illness Dick was suffering from at the time, we do know he has a lot in store for the future. In addition to more appearances, he is set to release a memoir about his life this November.
We're sending all the get well wishes during this time.
As the entertainment and news associate editor for Good Housekeeping, Adrianna (she/her) writes about everything TV, movies, music and pop culture. She graduated from Yeshiva University with a B.A. in journalism and a minor in business management. She covers shows like The Rookie, 9-1-1 and Grey's Anatomy, though when she’s not watching the latest show on Netflix, she’s taking martial arts or drinking way too much coffee.
