LEGENDARY Golden Girls actress Betty White passed away on New Year’s Eve as fans pay tribute to the American icon.
White – whose Hollywood career spanned almost nine decades – was 99 years old, and only weeks from her 100th birthday on January 17th. Here’s what we know about her funeral and death.
It’s not been confirmed where Betty will be buried.
White’s late husband, Allen Ludden, is buried at Graceland Cemetery in Mineral Point, near Madison, Wisconsin.
Ludden became Whit’s third husband in 1963. She never remarried after he died from stomach cancer in 1981.
Though there are rumors of White visiting, she had not been back to visit Mineral Point for quite some time.
It’s said locals deeply respect and appreciate the connection to the pop culture icon.
“Allen Ludden and Betty White is our connection to Hollywood,” Jason Basting, Mayor of Mineral Point said.
“For a small town of 2,600 people, it’s pretty neat to have that type of connection. She’s a legend right?”
The legendary actress, beloved for her comedic chops and animal-rights activism, passed away at her home due to natural causes, according to a statement from the Los Angeles Police Department.
“It appears to be natural cause of death with no evidence of foul play,” the LAPD wrote on Twitter, shortly after news of Betty’s death emerged.
Betty’s agent Jeff Witjas also confirmed her death in a statement. “Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever,” he said.
“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.”
US President Joe Biden lead the tributes to the veteran screen star.
He tweeted: “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.”
First Lady Jill Biden added: “Who didn’t love Betty White? We’re so sad.”
Happy Days star Henry Winkler wrote on Twitter: “I(t) is very hard to absorb you are not here anymore.. But the memories of your deLIGHT are.. Thank you for your humour, your warmth and your activism… Rest now and say Hi to Bill.”
US comedian and TV host Seth Meyers also paid tribute, writing on Twitter: “RIP Betty White, the only SNL host I ever saw get a standing ovation at the after party. A party at which she ordered a vodka and a hotdog and stayed til the bitter end.”
And former first lady Michelle Obama said White had “broken barriers” in her career.
Sharing a picture of the actress with the family dog, Bo, she wrote: “Betty White broke barriers, defied expectations, served her country, and pushed us all to laugh.
“Barack and I join so many around the world who will miss the joy she brought to the world.
“I know our Bo is looking forward to seeing her up in heaven.”
