Update: Betty White — who was getting ready to celebrate her 100th birthday in a matter of weeks, on Jan. 17, 2022 — sadly passed away on Dec. 31, 2021.
In an exclusive statement she shared with Fox News Digital via her publicist on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, about her long and happy life, she captured a great deal in just a few lines.
"I've always been a cockeyed optimist," Betty White told Fox News. "I got it from my mom. I'm gonna stick with it."
It was one of her last statements to the media before her death.
White was born the only child of her "beloved mother," homemaker Christine Tess, and her dad, Horace Logan White, a lighting company executive.
She was irrepressible! Betty White modeled happiness, good health, and good humor for a lot of years. She was due to celebrate a major milestone early in the New Year. (AP)
As so many millions of American know, the native of Oak Park, Ill., enjoyed great success in radio, TV, and film over a career that's spanned more than 75 years.
She'd been called "America’s Sweetheart" and the "First Lady of Television."
BETTY WHITE'S BEST LIFE LESSONS AS SHE PREPARES TO TURN 100
She was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1995, the same year she earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
She won eight Emmy Awards in a variety of categories, plus many other awards over the years.
White will long be known for her television sitcom roles on "Hot in Cleveland" (2010-2014), "The Golden Girls" (1985-1992), and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" (1970-1977).
She was also a dedicated animal lover, as well as the author of a number of books.
BETTY WHITE INVITES FANS TO HER BIRTHDAY PARTY IN JANUARY
Here are a few of the other great one-liners and wise witticisms she'd delivered over the years, in a variety of venues (some of these are from her 2011 book, "If You Ask Me (and Of Course You Won't").
—"I don’t have a sweet tooth, but I do have a cocktail before dinner. I also love French fries and hot dogs."
Betty White was going to turn 100 on Jan. 17, 2022. She was born in Oak Park, Illinois, and educated at Beverly Hills High School. Her TV career spanned nine decades — and she had an "obsessive addiction to crossword puzzles," as she wrote in her book, "If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won't)." (Reuters)
—"It’s fun to show appreciation to the ones you love."
—"So you may not be as fast on your feet, and the image in your mirror may be a little disappointing, but if you are still functioning and not in pain, gratitude should be the name of the game."
Actresses Betty White (left) and Lucille Ball are shown embracing at a book signing event in Los Angeles, in October 1987. (Getty)
—"Anger tears me up inside … My own … or anyone else’s."
—"I think older women still have a full life."
—"I get bored with people who complain about this or that. It’s such a waste of time."
BETTY WHITE JOKES ABOUT HER DIET SECRET BEFORE HER 100TH BIRTHDAY
—"I have no idea what color [my hair] really is, and I never intend to find out."
—"It is important that you not believe your own publicity. Be grateful for whatever praise you receive, but take it with a grain of salt."
—"If you live without passion, you can go through life without any footprints."
—"Doing comedy, if you don't get the laugh, you know you bombed. It's a tough business."
—"I know I'm fortunate, and boy am I grateful."
This article has been updated.
