Betty White's team released a video in which she thanked fans for their support over the years on the occasion of what was supposed to be her 100th birthday on January 17.
The team posted the clip, which was recorded on December 20, on her Instagram page.
“I just want to thank you all for your love and support over the years," said White as she looked directly into the camera. "Thank you so much and stick around."
The actress–who was known for her brilliant comedic performances in TV sitcoms like The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1973–1977) and The Golden Girls (1985–1992)–died of natural causes in her Brentwood home in California on December 31, 2021.
She was 99 when she passed, just a couple of weeks shy of her centenarian milestone.
In the video's caption, her team expressed gratitude on her behalf for all the donations mourning fans contributed to animal welfare organizations on her birthday.
The viral #bettywhitechallenge on Facebook was a fundraising event to honor her lifelong legacy as an animal lover.
In addition to being an eight-time Emmy Award winner, White closely worked with organizations including the Los Angeles Zoo Commission, The Morris Animal Foundation, and the African Wildlife Foundation.
"Good morning! As we continue to see number coming in from all over the world — it’s just absolutely amazing how much money all of you raised for the animals through #thebettywhitechallenge," wrote White's team.
"She could never have imagined such an outpouring of love and would have be so grateful to everyone."
"When we recorded her special message to fans who attended the movie, we also recorded one that we had planned to put on social media on her birthday. She was using the occasion of her 100th birthday to celebrate YOU - her fans."
White's endearing posthumous message left fans scrambling for some Kleenex.
@bettywhite/Instagram
@bettywhite/Instagram
@bettywhite/Instagram
@bettywhite/Instagram
@bettywhite/Instagram
@bettywhite/Instagram
@bettywhite/Instagram
@bettywhite/Instagram
@bettywhite/Instagram
@bettywhite/Instagram
@bettywhite/Instagram
@bettywhite/Instagram
The post's caption concluded with:
"She knew how lucky she was; she felt the love, and she never took it for granted. I think it’s appropriate to post today as a thank [you] from Betty and the animals."
R.I.P., Betty. Thank YOU for being a friend.
u/Duskymoonlight/Reddit
u/Duskymoonlight/Reddit