Betty White's Funeral Won't Be What You'd Expect

Fans are still mourning the death of beloved actress Betty White, who passed away at the age of 99 on December 31, 2021. The former "Golden Girls" star was just two weeks from her 100th birthday, which was set to be celebrated with an array of events. White's longtime representative Jeff Witjas shared his sadness in a sweet statement about his client and friend. "Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever," he said (via Page Six). "I will miss her terribly and so will the animal world that she loved so much. I don't think Betty ever feared passing because she always wanted to be with her most beloved husband, Allen Ludden. She believed she would be with him again."

Following the news of her death, the town in which she was born, Oak Park, Illinois, announced that they would be celebrating what would have been her 100th birthday with "Betty White Day" (via TMZ). The local businesses are set to get involved by offering specials and placing cardboard cutouts of the actress in the downtown area. The local bakery is also set to bake a large birthday cake in honor of White. While people are busy celebrating White, her funeral may not have the same vibe.

Although Betty White's funeral will undoubtedly be a celebration of her long life and all of her accomplishments along the way, it's not set to be a flashy or public affair. White's agent, Jeff Witjas, tells People Magazine that although arrangements are still being made for the actor's funeral, it will be a private event. "The arrangements are being handled privately and that was Betty's wish," Witjas said. "As in life, she never wanted people to make a fuss over her."

It's currently unclear if the funeral will be open to White's many celebrity friends such as Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds or just the closest of friends and family members. However, Witjas revealed that there is a way that fans can honor White's life and legacy if they so choose. "If someone has a desire to do something in her honor, you can support or donate to one or more of her favorite charities or even donate to a local animal charity of your choice," he said.

White was a well-known animal lover who worked hard for charities and foundations supporting animals. She was also a trustee at the Los Angeles Zoo and had a passion for charities such as Tree People, the Wildlife Learning Center, Guide Dogs For the Blind, and more (via People Magazine). Betty White leaves behind a legacy and career that are sure to be remembered for decades to come.