President Joe Biden celebrated the icon Betty White a month after her passing!
As shared by PEOPLE, the 46th and current President of the United States joined the hoard of celebrities, media personalities, and public figures who remembered the late actress on Monday, January 31.
The politician made an appearance on NBC’s primetime special, “Celebrating Betty White: America’s Golden Girl,” where the 79-year-old honored White’s memory with a sweet tribute.
Joe Biden Marked Betty White’s One Month Anniversary With A Touching Message
President Biden has a good track record for public speaking; however, the American leader was far from political in his speech to the late “Golden Girl” actress.
The “Promises to Keep” author sang White’s praises as he reflected on the icon’s decades-long contributions to the world on and off the TV screen.
The politician described the late entertainer as an “American treasure, icon, and pioneer,” who broke boundaries by challenging normal standards while touching hearts with her charming persona. In the President’s words:
“With every laugh and smile, she opened our hearts. But above all, she moved our souls and the soul of our nation. What a gift we’ll always treasure. God bless you, Betty. We all love you.”
Other renowned figures such as the iconic singer Cher and famous TV hosts like Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Fallon, and Jay Leno also paid tribute to White.
Hollywood actresses including Drew Barrymore, Tina Fey, Valerie Bertinelli, Ana Gasteyer, Goldie Hawn, Vicki Lawrence, Jane Leeves, Wendie Malick, Jean Smart, and more also showed their love to the First Lady of Television.
The male actors weren’t excluded as Bryan Cranston, Ted Danson, Anthony Mackie, Joel McHale, and the notable actor and comedian Tracy Morgan were also part of the NBC special.
White died on December 31, 2021, six days after suffering a stroke, as stated on her death certificate. The legendary actress passed a few weeks short of turning 100 on January 17, 2022.
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Before the premiere of the “Celebrating Betty White: America’s Golden Girl” TV special, The Blast previously reported that the honorary Mayor of Hollywood received a heartfelt tribute from her longtime friend.
Last month, Tom Sullivan, the actress’s friend and collaborator, honored her memory by sharing the various ways the icon impacted his life and that of his family.
The singer’s emotional message was shared on the “Hot in Cleveland” star’s Instagram page in three slides, with the first being a picture of the late actress with the Sullivan clan.
The “If You Could See What I Hear,” author, who has been blind since birth, first met the entertainment goddess and her late husband Allen Ludden while singing in Cape Cod.
Not only did White ensure that every popular talk show knew about her talented friend, but she also introduced the singer to Patty Steffen, his wife of 53 years.
During her lifetime, “The Proposal” star was affectionately referred to as “Gram III” by her friend’s children — daughter Blythe and son Tom, with who the icon had a close relationship.
Betty White’s Secret To Having A Long And Fulfilling Life
Earlier this year, The Blast revealed that the 3-time American Comedy Award winner shared the secret behind her long and happy life before passing away at 99-years-old.
In an interview, the iconic comedian stated that she managed to live long because she had a sense of humor and never spent her time dwelling on negative thoughts.
The 5-time Primetime Emmy Award winner explained that she always had a positive perspective about her problems and implored others never to take themselves “too seriously.” In her words:
“Don’t take yourself too seriously. You can lie to others—not that I would—but you cannot lie to yourself.”
Another secret to White’s longevity was her good heart as the “Toy Story 4” voice actress spent a good part of her life fighting against racial discrimination and advocating for animal rights.
In 1954, White stood her ground against the TV networks that wanted Arthur Duncan off her talk show because he was a Black man.
These networks threatened not to air the icon’s TV show; however, the First Lady of Television didn’t back down and continued to engage Duncan.