Carol Channing, the musical theatre legend, left Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan on Jan. 31, after recovering from what was officially identified as food poisoning. The Tony winner had collapsed on the set of the television news program "The View" early on Jan. 29, and was rushed to Lenox Hill. Channing is 81.

Channing—who as recently as Monday night made an appearance at the Theatre Hall of Fame ceremony in NYC—was already on the set of "The View" for an interview with all five of the show's hosts when she collapsed. The program's producer Sue Soloman made the decision to call an ambulance. Channing subsequently canceled five public appearance for Jan. 29 and 30. Lenox Hill physicians, who admitted her for the next two days, said she must rehydrate before attempted further travel.

Channing created the title role in Jerry Herman's musical, Hello, Dolly!, a show she has personified for more than 35 years.

A spokesperson for Channing said the actress may take a little R&R before resuming her schedule.

—By Robert Simonson