Betty White, the beloved actress and comedian, passed away weeks before her 100th birthday on December 31st, 2021. She died as a result of a stroke she had 6 days before, and the world has been mourning her since. 

White is known for her long and successful career as an actress, starring in shows like Golden Girls and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Later in life her accomplishments continued to pile up and she produced a sitcom called Life With Elizabeth, becoming the first woman to produce a sitcom in the United States. She was notimated for 17 Emmys, and won 7 of them. Her career spanned over 8 decaudes, and she was often referred to as the First Lady of Television or the honorary Mayor of Hollywood.

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Betty White in her youth

White was a constant in so many people’s lives that almost everyone was taken aback by her passing, including some of her closest friends such as her agent Jeff Witjas.

“Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever,” Witjas told People magazine. “I will miss her terribly and so will the animal world that she loved so much. I don’t think Betty ever feared passing because she always wanted to be with her most beloved husband Allen Ludden. She believed she would be with him again.” 

The “animal world” that Witjas refers to is White’s love for animals. She advocated for animal rights as well as a plethora of other social issues during her lifetime. 

“I’m the luckiest person in the world. My life is divided in absolute half: half animals, half show business,” White told TV Guide before her passing. “I have to stay in show business to pay for my animal work!”  

Even in her old age she kept a positive spirit and happy dememanor, something fans all over the country admired her for.

 “Having a sense of humor” is the key to a long and happy life,” she once said. “Just looking at the positive side and not dwelling on the downside. It takes up too much energy being negative.”

Betty White lived an incredible life, and her positive impact will live on long after her. She dedicated her life to helping animals and people in need. Many people believe that the best way to honor her memory is to do the same, to be selfless, stay positive, and fight for what one believes in.