2021 was a rollercoaster for the whole world to say the least. For a small recap: Donald Trump supporters raided the U.S. Capital; President Joe Biden was inaugurated; the military withdrew from Afghanistan; the Summer Olympics began in Toyko (after a year delay); Hurricane Ida hit the East Coast of the United States; Britney Spears gained freedom from her conservatorship; the Oxford High School shooting took place; the movement to stop Julius Jones’ execution began; new COVID-19 variants and to top it all off, losing Betty White.

On New Year’s Eve, the whole world woke up to the knowledge that the 99-year-old American actress had been found dead from a cerebrovascular accident only 17 days short of turning 100. She had suffered from a stroke six days before her death.

White started acting in 1949 but is most known for her work in “The Golden Girls,” a sitcom that aired from 1985-1992. She originally auditioned for the role of Blanche but ended up playing the character, Rose. Producers thought that White suited Rose better, and she did an impeccable job playing that role.

There is no doubt that White made an impact on the world. White contributed to WWII in American Women’s Voluntary Services. She had passed up a role in the movie “As Good as It Gets” because of a scene where a small dog is thrown down a trash chute. In 2014, White was awarded the longest TV career for a female entertainer by Guinness World Records. She stood up for LGBTQ+ rights, racial equality and ending animal cruelty.

 The world went into shock coming across her unexpected death from natural causes. She was a person with an open heart and was never afraid of stating her opinion. 

White had brought lots of joy into the world with her loving and caring personality, and she will be dearly missed. To keep her legacy alive and celebrate her birthday, many individuals are donating to local animal shelters due to White’s love for animals. Feel free to donate to the nearest animal shelter in a way to honor White.

Contact Hailey Paddock at [email protected]