The death of Betty White left the world stunned, ending the year on a decidedly somber note.
Reactions began pouring in Friday after news broke that the multiple-Emmy winner died at the age of 99 less than a day before the new year and just weeks before her 100th birthday.
Among those expressing their grievances and wishing the actress to rest in peace was President Joe Biden.
"That's a shame!" Biden told reporters. "She was a lovely lady, 99 years old. My mother would say, 'God love her.'"
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Other reactions were posted to social media from people of all stripes, including those enmeshed in politics, entertainment, and the military.
Betty White was still living, working, doing what she loved and making people laugh until the very end. 99 years. That's just remarkable.
— Wajahat Ali (@WajahatAli) December 31, 2021
What an exceptional life.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 31, 2021
I’m grateful for every second I got to spend with Betty White.
Sending love to her family, friends and all of us.
We are saddened by the passing of Betty White.
— U.S. Army (@USArmy) December 31, 2021
Not only was she an amazing actress, she also served during WWII as a member of the American Women's Voluntary Services.
A true legend on and off the screen. pic.twitter.com/1HRDYCeV7w
Betty White will forever be a national treasure.
— #ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) December 31, 2021
— 🎊 Muppet History 🎉 (@HistoryMuppet) December 31, 2021
Betty White : I is very hard to absorb you are not here anymore.. But the memories of your deLIGHT
— Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) December 31, 2021
are ..Thank you for yur humor , your warmth and your activism ..
Rest now and say Hi to Bill
Rest in peace #bettywhite, our Golden Girl, our friend, and our neighbor. Your wit, your charm, your warmth and your smile will always be with us. pic.twitter.com/Kb7WGp2RDd
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) December 31, 2021
99 years here and millions of laughs left behind. Pretty fantastic. pic.twitter.com/usm2P9y9cR
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) December 31, 2021
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. pic.twitter.com/uevwerjobS
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) December 31, 2021
Betty White - legend. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/G7RHCGS4Lr
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) December 31, 2021
Today, we lost a beloved TV icon. Betty White was a pioneering actress, who blessed generations of Americans with her talent and humor for 8 decades.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) December 31, 2021
May it be a comfort to her loved ones and many admirers that so many mourn with them during this sad time.
I mean… what’s a better testament to your legacy than having the whole world dreading when you’re going to say goodbye? You were an amazing one, Betty White 🤍 pic.twitter.com/reTdjdZ1s8
— Thomas Sanders (@ThomasSanders) December 31, 2021
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Betty White, a longtime television star who enjoyed a second wave of popularity in her 90s, was best known for her roles on The Golden Girls and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. She would have turned 100 on Jan. 17.