LOS ANGELES, CA – Marking what would have been her 100th birthday, fans and friends of the late Betty White are celebrating the occasion by sharing heartwarming tributes and reminiscing on the incredible legacy that she left behind.
White died just a little over two weeks shy of her 100th birthday on Dec. 31 after suffering a stroke six days prior, according to her recently released death certificate.
Prior to her death, White was not only preparing to celebrate her milestone centennial year but she was also gearing up for the premiere of a special once in a lifetime film originally titled, “Betty White: 100 Years Young.”
The film, which is now titled “Betty White: A Celebration,” will feature clips from White’s decades-long career and appearances from White and some of her closest celebrity friends including Valerie Bertinelli, Tina Fey, Ryan Reynolds, Robert Redford, Carol Burnett, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jimmy Kimmel, James Corden and Clint Eastwood.
To commemorate White’s birthday, “Betty White: A Celebration” will be screened in select theaters across the country for a special one-day event.
Google also paid tribute to the late icon with a special animation that served as a sweet nod to her beloved “Golden Girls” character, Rose Nylund.
In honor of her birthday, all Google searches for White’s name will result in rose petals gently fluttering down the Search results screen, along with a message that reads, “Thank you for being a friend, 1922-2021.”
A loyal animal lover and activist throughout her life, White’s fans are celebrating her passion for animals with the #BettyWhiteChallenge.
The viral challenge, which quickly began spread online shortly after White’s death, is calling on fans to donate $5 to local animal organizations, shelters and rescues in her honor.
As for what White would’ve thought about the outpouring of donations, her executive personal assistant Kiersten Mikelas said that the late star would have been thrilled.
“She would love that so much,” Mikelas said in a recent interview with PEOPLE, “She would be so touched to see and hear that people were honoring her by donating to local groups who work so hard to rescue and rehabilitate animals. I can’t think of a better tribute.”
With a career spanning well over 60 years, White racked up more than 120 acting credits and became widely regarded for her roles in various hit sitcoms including Sue Ann Nivens on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” Rose Nylund on “The Golden Girls” and Elka Ostrovsky on “Hot in Cleveland.”
On May 8, 2010, the then 88-year-old White hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live and made history as the oldest person to host the show.
White was the recipient of five Emmy Awards, a Daytime Emmy Award, a Grammy Award and two Screen Actors Guild Awards. She received the Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.
White also appeared in numerous films throughout her career including “Bringing Down the House,” “The Proposal” and “You Again.”
Although White may be gone, her legacy and the indelible amounts of laughter and joy that she brought to the world will live forever.
