Betty White passes at 99

Less than three weeks before her 100th birthday, we’ve lost Betty White, and I blame People Magazine, and I’m not the only one!

The star of so many sitcoms and films throughout the years, Betty White was often a ground breaker, and national treasure. Her Rose Nyland character on The Golden Girls (and short-lived spin off, Golden Palace) is probably her most memorable role. She was the last remaining Golden Girl. She returned to the screen for TVLand’s Hot in Cleveland, which saw many former cast mates guest star.

Betty Marion White Ludden started her career in 1939, and saw the growth of television, staring in her own show after years in radio. She wrote several books and won a Grammy for the spoken-word version of one book. She starred and appeared in dozens of TV shows, later in life appear as herself, as she had become a living treasure (such as in 30 Rock or Ugly Betty).

White was also a strong supporter of LGBT rights, defending equal marriage and having long term friendships with gay performers. She often accompanied Liberace to premieres, knowing at the time he was gay.

We’ll miss you Betty White!