Barbara Walters is used to talking about the news on her hit TV show, "The View".  But, it's the TV legend who is the one making headlines of her own.

The 80-year-old Jewish-American announced on her program that she is having surgery to replace a faulty heart valve later this week and take the summer off to recover.  Walters said she's known about her condition for a while, and decided with her doctors that this is the best time to have the surgery.  The goal is to be back by September.

"Since the summer is coming up, I can take a nice vacation," she said.

Walters has the full support from ABC.

"There's no denying that this is a serious surgery," said ABC News President David Westin. "  "But it's also the type of surgery that has been done often and successfully.  And, as those of us who work with Barbara know, she's in excellent condition.  So we have every reason to expect a great result and a speedy recovery."

Whoopi Goldberg, her co-host on "The View", asked whether Walters was scared.  Walters replied, "Look, nobody wants to have this kind of surgery", but pointed out how this kind of procedure has become more commonplace.

She has a good point, since other celebrities, like Former First lady Barbara Bush and comedian Robin Williams, had heart valve replacement surgery last year.

I think I speak for everyone, when I wish Walters good luck, and a speedy recovery.