Merely days ago, American actress and comedian Betty White took to Twitter to announce that she would be celebrating her 100th birthday on January 17. “My 100th birthday… I cannot believe it is coming up,” she wrote.
But the beloved Golden Girls star, who held the Guinness World record as the female entertainer with the longest television career spanning over 80 years died on Friday, December 31.
US President Joe Biden led tributes, praising the star as a “cultural icon”, and said: “Betty White brought a smile to the lips of generations of Americans. She’s a cultural icon who will be sorely missed. Jill and I are thinking of her family and all those who loved her this New Year’s Eve.”
Here are some of the tributes on Twitter:
Betty White, the world’s golden girl, has passed away at the age of 99. She was a legend, trailblazer and cultural icon who blessed generations with her talent and humor. She will be truly missed. pic.twitter.com/sFKiAoPagJ
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) December 31, 2021
We are saddened by the passing of Betty White.
Not only was she an amazing actress, she also served during WWII as a member of the American Women’s Voluntary Services.
A true legend on and off the screen. pic.twitter.com/1HRDYCeV7w
— U.S. Army (@USArmy) December 31, 2021
The world looks different now. She was great at defying expectation. She managed to grow very old and somehow, not old enough. We’ll miss you, Betty. Now you know the secret. pic.twitter.com/uevwerjobS
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) December 31, 2021
As if 2021 wasn’t bad enough. Rest In Peace, Queen Betty White. pic.twitter.com/BfxwP31km0
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) December 31, 2021
What an exceptional life.
I’m grateful for every second I got to spend with Betty White.
Sending love to her family, friends and all of us.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 31, 2021
White is known for her role in productions like Life with Elizabeth, Date with the Angels, The Love Boat, Mama’s Family, The Golden Palace, Ladies Man, Boston Legal, The Bold and the Beautiful, and “Pound Puppies” amongst others, and her most notable roles include Sue Ann Nivens on the CBS sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1973–1977), and Rose Nylund on the NBC sitcom The Golden Girls (1985–1992).
Picture: Twitter