Beloved Entertainer Betty White Dies at 99

Betty White has passed away at the age of 99. She passed away at her home on Friday morning. The beloved entertainer has a career that spans decades and one of the longest in television. She was the first woman to produce a television sitcom (Life of Elizabeth) and could be seen on many gameshow panels through her nine decade career. She is recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records for the length of her career.

“Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever,” her agent and close friend Jeff Witjas told PEOPLE via a statement. “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.” 

Throughout her career, White appeared on radio, television, and also on the silver screen. The legendary actress had her breakout role on The Mary Tyler Moore Show as Sue Ann Nivens. The show ran from 1973 to 1977. Many people also know Betty White for her role in The Golden Girls. In it, she played Rose Nylund. The show ran from 1985 to 1992. It still can be found on television today. She continued to be active on the screen throughout the rest of her life. Recently she could be seen on Hot in Cleveland. Her voice could also be heard in 2019’s Toy Story 4 and the follow up Forky Asks a Question from Pixar.

Throughout her career she earned eight Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award, and Three American Comedy Awards. Perhaps most notable though is the love that she earned from her fans throughout her life and career. She was loved by millions around the globe.

Betty White was about to turn 100 on January 17, 2022. A program, Betty White: 100 Years Young – A Birthday Celebration, was to be released in January. It was to celebrate her birthday and career. It is unknown if it will still be released or if it will be modified with the passing of White.

In 2021 she was asked by PEOPLE about the key to a long life. She responded that “having a sense of humor” is the key to having a happy and long life. “Just looking at the positive side and not dwelling on the downside,” she shared. “Takes up too much energy being negative. Also having a good agent who keeps me busy all the time.”