Health to keep Beacon honoree Angelou from luncheon

Dr. Maya Angelou, a 2014 Major League Baseball Beacon of Life honoree, will be unable to attend the Beacon Awards Luncheon on May 30 because of health reasons.

"It is with deep regret that I am unable to attend the MLB Beacon Awards Luncheon," Dr. Angelou said in a statement. "I am aware that the Civil Rights Game is Major League Baseball's opportunity to encourage and lead its fans and friends in honoring and remembering a critical time in our nation's history, and I respect the league greatly for recognizing the need for this event. I am very proud to be one of the MLB Beacon Award honorees, amongst an impressive list of figures that were, and still are, part of the civil rights movement."

"Good Morning America" co-anchor and MLB Beacon Awards Luncheon keynote speaker Robin Roberts will accept Dr. Angelou's award on her behalf.

"Dr. Maya Angelou is a powerful representation of everything we celebrate and recognize for the Civil Rights Game," MLB executive vice president of baseball development Frank Robinson said in a statement. "Throughout her life and through her unprecedented roster of achievements, Dr. Angelou has exemplified the very definition of 'pioneer.' We wish she could be with us in person for this well-deserved recognition, and everyone at Major League Baseball wishes her a full and speedy recovery."

Said Astros president of business operations Reid Ryan: "While we are sad that Dr. Angelou is unable to join us, we certainly understand that her health comes first. We wish her a speedy recovery and will be thinking of her on May 30."