A sudden medical emergency overshadowed news that an 80-year-old legal secretary from O'ahu became an instant millionaire at a Minnesota casino.

The secretary, Rebecca Berry, has worked for Senior U.S. District Judge Samuel King for more than 50 years, according to law clerk Doug Ushijima.

"Judge King always says Rebecca is the boss," Ushijima said. "She really is great and fun to work with."

The Berry family asked the judge's office to let people know that the news of the lucky jackpot was tempered by her hospitalization in Minnesota.

King and his staff remain shaken by the roller-coaster reports from Minnesota — first the upbeat news of the win, then the shock of her hospitalization.

"She did have a medical emergency several hours after her win. She's stable but in intensive care," according to the statement, which did not provide details. The family said that Berry is a private person who prefers not to make a fuss.

Berry sometimes gambles at the Mystic Lake Casino while visiting two daughters who live nearby, she told Minneapolis TV station KARE.

She was playing a Wild Cherry slot machine when the bells sounded to mark a $1,373,825.63 payoff. The casino photos on the Web site show a beaming Berry with the big winnings display check and casino officials.

Even though Berry prefers to stay out of the spotlight at her district court job, Ushijima said, she's a crucial part of the staff.

"She's such a fixture. Everybody knows her," he said.

On the wall of King's office hangs this tongue-in-cheek warning signed by the judge: "Rebecca is always right and the law clerks are always wrong."

Berry told the TV station: "I was planning on retiring early next year, but I am going to call him (King) and say, 'I quit.' "

The judge's office said news of the win has spread and that family and friends are hearing from well-wishers and that's why they wanted to get out the word about her hospitalization.

"They ask that people send good thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery," the statement said.

After the tumultuous week, Ushijima is hoping for a quick recovery for his colleague.

"I'm sure Rebecca will be back to work soon," he said.