Betty White in ‘disbelief’ she was ‘still here’ during last TV appearance before death at 2018 Emmy Awards
BETTY White’s final TV appearance was as memorable as she was. The beloved actress, who died December 31 at the age of 99, was last seen in 2018, during the 70th Annual Emmy Awards. Although she was not nominated for any performance that year, and had already been honored with a lifetime achievement award in […]
BETTY White’s final TV appearance was as memorable as she was.
The beloved actress, who died December 31 at the age of 99, was last seen in 2018, during the 70th Annual Emmy Awards.
Although she was not nominated for any performance that year, and had already been honored with a lifetime achievement award in 2010, the television academy took a special moment to honor the Golden Girl one final time.
As celebrities rose to their feet, many wiping tears from their eyes, a fragile Betty was helped to the podium, where she immediately looked right at home.
She smiled, thanked everyone for their love and appreciation and even offered her hand to presenter Alec Baldwin, to kiss as if she was royalty.
“You think I’m going to miss a chance when I get it?” she joked, pointing at a blushing Alec next to her.
Turning serious, Betty admitted she never dreamed of achieving such recognition and love.
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“It’s incredible that I’m still in this business… and you are still putting up with me,” she confessed. “It’s incredible that you can stay in a career this long and still have people put up with you.
“I wish they did that at home!”
NATURAL CAUSES
Sources told TMZ that the iconic star passed away at her home on the morning of New Year’s Eve.
She was just weeks away from her milestone 100th birthday on January 17.
The source added that she didn’t have any illnesses and she was not battling any particular ailment. It is believed she died from natural causes.
Her agent and friend Jeff Witjas said in a statement to PEOPLE: “Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever.
“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.”
LOVING MEMORIES
Following the news, fans and celebs rushed to pay tribute to the iconic actress.
Ryan Reynolds shared a touching post about the great, just one day after quipping that he had a “past relationship” with Betty.
He wrote: “The world looks different now. She was great at defying expectations. She managed to grow very old and somehow, not old enough. We’ll miss you, Betty. Now you know the secret.”
Don Lemon posted a photograph of him and Betty with the caption: “Noooooooooo. Say it isn’t so,” while Piers Morgan dubbed her “the funniest woman I’ve ever met.”
Andy Cohen added: “Tonight we will raise MANY glasses to the WONDERFUL legacy of Betty White!!!”
CENTENNIAL CELEBRRATION
In a final tweet before her death, Betty reflected on her coming special day: “My 100th birthday… I cannot believe it is coming up.”
Plans for her celebration included a special one-night-only event with famous friends.
Alongside a throwback photo of the star, Betty revealed on Instagram that she was hosting a special event for her birthday.
The text below the photo read: “Betty White invites you to her 100th Birthday celebration event.”
She then revealed the impressive guest list for the party celebrating “America’s sweetheart.”
The famous faces that were set to honor Betty include Ryan Reynolds, Tina Fey, Robert Redford, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Jay Leno, Carol Burnett, Craig Ferguson, Jimmy Kimmel, Valerie Bertinelli, James Corden, Wendy Malick, and Jennifer Love Hewitt.
Betty captioned the post: “I’m going BIG for my birthday – right to the BIG SCREEN! Get your tickets and join me at the link in my bio.”
LAST WORDS
The star opened up about her health in a rare interview earlier this week and revealed that she remains in tiptop condition because she maintains a positive outlook on life.
“I’m so lucky to be in such good health and feel so good at this age, It’s amazing,” she told PEOPLE.
The TV favorite admitted that she was “born a cockeyed optimist” which is imperative to her upbeat nature.
She continued: “I got it from my mom, and that never changed. I always find the positive.”
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