Barbara Walters hospitalized after fall during inauguration party

Barbara Walters fell down a flight of stairs and had to be hospitalized - forcing her to abandon coverage of Monday's Presidential Inauguration.

The 83-year-old newswoman suffered a cut to her forehead and and was taken to a Washington D.C. hospital out of an abundance of caution, network officials said.

"Barbara is alert and telling everyone what to do, which we all take as a very positive sign," said ABC News Senior Vice President Jeffrey Schneider.

"The View" host tripped while attending a pre-inauguration bash at British Ambassador Peter Westmacott's residence Saturday night.

Walters was treated for her injuries, underwent a full examination and remains in the hospital under observation, Schneider said.