The World Remembers Beloved Entertainment Icon Betty White

By now you’ve likely heard that one of entertainment’s most beloved icons, Betty White, passed away today at 99, just days short of what would have been her 100th birthday. As the New York Times noted in its obit published this afternoon, White is probably best known for portraying “the nymphomaniacal Sue Ann Nivens on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ and the sweet but dim Rose Nylund on ‘The Golden Girls.'” She won five Emmys in a TV career that spanned seven decades and later in life became a beloved figure on the internet.

From the aforementioned New York Times obit:

One of her last in-person appearances was on the 2018 Emmy Awards telecast.

“It’s incredible that you can stay in a career this long and still have people put up with you,” she told the assembled TV luminaries, who gave her a prolonged standing ovation. “I wish they did that at home.”

Just a few days ago, White gave an interview to People to discuss her upcoming 100th birthday and the magazine noted that “nowadays, White enjoys a quiet life in Los Angeles playing crossword puzzles and card games. She also likes to watch animal documentaries, Jeopardy! and sports, particularly golf.” When asked about her diet, White told People, “I try to avoid anything green. I think it’s working.”

Naturally, there’s been an outpouring of tributes and remembrances for White on social media this afternoon. Below are some of our favorites — some funny, some poignant, some informative, some memory-inspiring.

— Andy Richter (@AndyRichter) 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

I worked with #BettyWhite on her 95th birthday. I thought you should know the very first words she ever said to me:

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“Nice wedding ring. When I was young, if you wanted to fuck a guy you had to marry him. So I was married 3 times.”⁣

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RIP Betty, you gave us everything. pic.twitter.com/UiEF8bhsGl

— Aimee Carrero (@aimeecarrero) December 31, 2021

In 2012, a Facebook group of more than half a million urged NBC to invite Betty White to host SNL.

"When I first heard about the campaign, I didn't know what Facebook was, and now that I do know what it is, I have to say it sounds like a huge waste of time."

She won an Emmy. pic.twitter.com/dzAjhUg0Ou