Many were shocked by the news that iconic entertainer Betty White died Friday, days before she was set to turn 100.
Stars, friends and fans shared memories and their shock after learning of White’s death.
>>Related: Betty White dies at 99
Valerie Bertinelli, White’s “Hot in Cleveland” co-star, said, “heaven must be bright now.”
Rest in peace, sweet Betty. My God, how bright heaven must be right now.
— 😷💉 Valerie Bertinelli (@Wolfiesmom) December 31, 2021
Ryan Reynolds, who co-starred with White in “The Proposal” said, “She managed to grow very old and somehow, not old enough.”
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
Sandra Bullock, who also co-starred with White in “The Proposal,” said in a statement to Variety, “I don’t drink vodka … but I will tonight, on ice, with a slice of lemon with a hot dog on the other side and just be OK being sad. I’ll have to buy some rose-colored glasses because Betty was that for all of us.”
An icon in his own right, Henry Winkler thanked White for her humor, warmth and activism.
Betty White : I is very hard to absorb you are not here anymore.. But the memories of your deLIGHT
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) December 31, 2021
are ..Thank you for yur humor , your warmth and your activism ..
Rest now and say Hi to Bill
Another legend of the big and small screen, William Shatner, said she was “a gift to the entertainment world.”
Saddened to hear that @BettyMWhite has passed. I loved her comedic wit and endearing charm. She definitely was a sweetheart to the world and a gift to the entertainment world. 😔
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 31, 2021
Longtime friend Carol Burnett said she “loved Betty very, very much,” in a statement obtained by ET Online.
“The world has lost one in a million,” she said.
White’s death cast a shadow over celebrations being held in Times Square as the world gets ready to ring in the new year, Ryan Seacrest said from New York City.
All of us in Times Square and around the world are grieving the loss of Betty White. She was a TV pioneer who paved the way for so many people. Beyond that, she showed us what you can accomplish in a lifetime through kindness and humor. Rest in peace to a true American icon. pic.twitter.com/J3GekFkzrj
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) December 31, 2021
Rex Chapman shared the introduction from White’s show, “The Golden Girls,” with the theme song “Thank You For Being a Friend.”
RIP Betty White. Thank you for being a friend… pic.twitter.com/6fd8rs9FLh
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) December 31, 2021
Kathy Griffin remembered the first time meeting White on “Suddenly Susan.”
1) Betty White. Where do I begin? I’ve known her long, but I think the first time I met her was when she was a guest star on Suddenly Susan in the late 90s. Everyone was very excited she was on the show. I had accidentally parked in her parking spot that day. She walks in…
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) December 31, 2021
Continue reading memories of and tributes to White:
So sad to hear about Betty White passing. I loved watching her characters that brought so much joy. Thank you, Betty, for making us all laugh! https://t.co/iOkmHLrW21
— Reese Witherspoon (@ReeseW) December 31, 2021
Today, we lost a beloved TV icon. Betty White was a pioneering actress, who blessed generations of Americans with her talent and humor for 8 decades.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) December 31, 2021
May it be a comfort to her loved ones and many admirers that so many mourn with them during this sad time.
So we’re eating cheesecake in honor of Betty White. Who’s with me?
— Ariana DeBose (@ArianaDeBose) December 31, 2021
99 years here and millions of laughs left behind. Pretty fantastic. pic.twitter.com/usm2P9y9cR
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) December 31, 2021
thank you betty white for being so kind to this kid behind the scenes and for teaching me
— jenny lewis (@jennylewis) December 31, 2021
the most important life lesson
“ sometimes life just isn’t fair kiddo “
pic.twitter.com/XsNVvnaEug
Asked for his response, President Biden tells @DJJudd that Betty White's death at 99 is "a shame."
— Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) December 31, 2021
#DidYouKnow
— The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center (@TheKingCenter) December 31, 2021
In 1954, #BettyWhite was criticized after having Arthur Duncan, a Black tap dancer, on her show.
Her response: "I'm sorry. Live with it."
She then gave Duncan even more airtime. The show was canceled soon after.
Rest well, Betty. #ThankYouForBeingAFriend pic.twitter.com/3rQRTHOPe7
Betty White was an icon, a legend, and consistently found a way to be the moment over her nearly 70 year career.
— Jarett Wieselman (@JarettSays) December 31, 2021
A trailblazer. An original. And a truly kind soul. May she be forever surrounded by four-legged animals in heaven. pic.twitter.com/agiNKiSY7O
Betty White will go down in the history books as ageless..99 or 100, the numbers belie the fact that she lived the best life EVER! RIP Betty White. 🤟🏻❤️🤟🏻❤️ pic.twitter.com/w6hA3zxPW9
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) December 31, 2021
Our national treasure, Betty White, has passed just before her 100th birthday. Our Sue Ann Nivens, our beloved Rose Nylund, has joined the heavens to delight the stars with her inimitable style, humor, and charm. A great loss to us all. We shall miss her dearly.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) December 31, 2021
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.
— Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers) December 31, 2021
What an exceptional life.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 31, 2021
I’m grateful for every second I got to spend with Betty White.
Sending love to her family, friends and all of us.
Tonight we will raise MANY glasses to the WONDERFUL legacy of Betty White!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) December 31, 2021
What an incredible life… RIP Betty White#Legend #Icon #BettyWhite pic.twitter.com/ffqElfPBUC
— Mario Lopez (@mariolopezviva) December 31, 2021
Y’all, with the passing of #BettyWhite we have lost one of the best humans ever!
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) December 31, 2021
Another brilliant talent has made her transition. I had the pleasure of getting to know Betty White and shared a few giggles with her. May she rest in well-earned peace. ❤️
— Dionne Warwick (@dionnewarwick) December 31, 2021
Betty White. Oh noooooooo. I grew up watching and being delighted by her. She was playful and daring and smart. We all knew this day would come but it doesn’t take away the feeling of loss. A national treasure, indeed. Fly with the Angels. ❤️
— Debra Messing✍🏻 (@DebraMessing) December 31, 2021
Rest In Peace sweet Betty #BettyWhite pic.twitter.com/RK8kKJkZxp
— Jenifer Lewis (@JeniferLewis) December 31, 2021
Betty White as Dr. Beth Mayer in Bones. Was an honor! #BettyWhite pic.twitter.com/YkMVGdOHsn
— ✨emily deschanel✨ (@KarlyBonehead) December 31, 2021
I had the great privilege of working with her for a few days on the sitcom #Crowded, and she schooled us all on the art. RIP #BettyWhite No doubt you’re already making the angels laugh… pic.twitter.com/KqF0v2IkVo
— Carrie Preston (@carriepreston) December 31, 2021
RIP Betty White! Man did I think you would live forever. You blew a huge hole in this world that will inspire generations. Rest in glorious peace….you’ve earned your wings ❤️❤️❤https://t.co/7wpeLHgySy
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) December 31, 2021
I was so thrilled to get to work with Betty White on Hot in Cleveland in 2012. I didn’t want to be annoying and ask for a pic but then I regretted it and chased her down as she was being driven home. We worked with live… https://t.co/UW6yhZXvcP
— Lauren Lapkus 🍰 (@laurenlapkus) December 31, 2021
A spirit of goodness and hope. Betty White was much beloved because of who she was, and how she embraced a life well lived. Her smile. Her sense of humor. Her basic decency. Our world would be better if more followed her example. It is diminished with her passing.
— Dan Rather (@DanRather) December 31, 2021
golden
— Dictionary.com (@Dictionarycom) December 31, 2021
adjective
1. bright, metallic, or lustrous like gold.
2. full of happiness, prosperity, or vigor.
3. highly talented and favored; destined for success.
4. Betty White. pic.twitter.com/uLiOr5j13X
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