Betty White has died aged 99, only weeks before celebrating her 100th birthday.
Jeff Witjas, Betty's agent and close friend, told People magazine:
"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."
Betty had recently given an interview with People, saying:
"I'm so lucky to be in such good health and feel so good at this age. It's amazing."
Betty White has left behind a 75-year-old career in the American TV and film, with her first job in the industry being in 1939.
She had to stop during WWII, after signing up to the American Women's Voluntary Services to help troops.
Her bubbly personality, sharp sense of humour and determination to make things happen have notably made her 'America's grandmother'.
In 1952, she was one of the first women to produce and star in their own TV show, Life with Elizabeth. In 1955, she was given the honourary title, Mayor of Hollywood and got her own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1988.
Her most famous roles include Golden Girls from 1985 to 1992 and The Mary Tyler Moore Show from 1973 to 1977. She had been nominated for a total of 17 awards, winning 11 for her role as Rose Nylund in The Golden Palace.
Betty broke the Guinness World Record in 2013 for the longest TV career for a female entertainer.
In the past, she had mentioned that she never intended to retire, saying:
"Retirement is not in my vocabulary. They aren't going to get rid of me that way."
Upon learning the news of her death, many Hollywood stars shared their tributes for the star.
Viola Davis wrote:
"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."
Ryan Reynolds shared:
"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."
George Takei from Star Trek said:
"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."
[Based on reporting by: Metro]
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