Betty White, the beloved “Golden Girls” actress, has passed away at the age of 99 in her sleep on Dec. 31, 18 days before her 100th birthday on Jan. 17. People of all ages have been mourning the celebrity’s sudden death and celebrating her influential life. Many have commemorated her on different social media outlets and talked about what she meant to them. “Betty White: A Celebration” was a new film released on Jan. 17 that gives a recap of her accomplishments and has premiered in select movie theaters. For more information about the showings, visit here. 

“Betty White was an American treasure, an icon and a pioneer, and she challenged conventions. With every laugh and smile, she opened our hearts. But above all, she moved our souls and the soul of our nation,” Joe Biden, president, said in a tribute to her. 

White, an adored pop-culture icon, starred in the show “Golden Girls” from 1985-1992. The hit sitcom was seven seasons featuring a group of single, elderly women sharing a house in Miami, Florida. White played the character Rose, and the series revolved around the ladies’ friendship and the importance of having each other. The show began with the theme song “Thank You for Being a Friend” which Andrew Gold sung, and the phrase has become popular ever since. 

“The song is so iconic, and it makes me think of Betty White every time I hear it. I think it has become a huge part of pop culture and associates it with such an inspirational actress,” Avery DiGirolamo, junior, said. 

While also appearing in other television shows such as “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “That 70s Show,” acting was not the only thing White was focused on. She was an animal rights activist and had a seat on the Los Angeles Zoo board. She also received the American Humane’s prestige of the National Humanitarian Medal and the Legacy Award. In honor of her love for animals, shelters held a “Betty White Challenge.” For her birthday, fans were encouraged to donate, and it was a success; different shelters each raised over 30,000 dollars to help pay for their needs. 

“Until she died, I did not know her true love for animals. I think it is amazing that people are honoring her life in a way that she would have loved too,” Sarah Lance, freshman, said. 

Many found White to be a comforting celebrity and are mourning her death with the rest of the world. To honor the impactful actress, learn more about donating to animal shelters here.