R.I.P. Betty White (1922–2021)

We've lost a great lady

Photo of Betty White at the 1988 Emmy Awards by Alan Light

We knew we couldn’t have her forever, but as with all beloved and universally-respected people, we’d hoped for just a little longer.

Betty White passed away today, Friday, December 31, 2021, at the age of 99.

The self-described “lucky old broad” affectionately called “the First Lady of television,” was a mere 17 days shy of her 100th birthday, which we’d all hoped to celebrate with her — even those of us who didn’t personally have the pleasure of knowing her — but sadly as is too often the way life goes, it was not to be.

She was, in many ways, America’s mom. We grew up with her and grew comfortably accustomed to her very presence making us smile. We all knew better, of course, but I think, just as with our own moms, a small part of us kind of felt like she‘d always be there.

As confirmed by Guinness World Records, Betty White held the honorable distinction of having the longest television career by a female entertainer.

Her incredi…