Beloved actress Betty White has passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 99, according to her agent and close friend, Jeff Witjas. White's death came just two and a half weeks before she would have celebrated her 100th birthday on January 17.

Witjas expressed his deep sadness and shared that he always believed White would live forever. He fondly remembered her love for animals and how she never feared passing because she longed to be reunited with her beloved late husband, Allen Ludden.

In a recent interview, White shared her feelings about turning 100 and expressed gratitude for her good health and positive mindset.

She credited her optimistic nature to her mother and always found the positive side of things. She even joked about avoiding anything green as the secret to her long life.

The news of White's passing has left many in mourning, including Hollywood stars who admired and adored her. Ryan Reynolds, who had a close relationship with White, described her as someone who defied expectations and managed to look ageless. Valerie Bertinelli, White's Hot in Cleveland co-star, expressed her deep sorrow and envisioned how bright heaven must be now that White has joined it.

As the world prepared to bid farewell to 2021, Andy Cohen paid tribute to White's incredible legacy and stated that many glasses would be raised in her honor.

Betty White's passing has left a profound void in the entertainment industry, and People magazine, which had the privilege of working with her on a recent cover story, expressed their deep sadness over the loss of this extraordinary actress.