In celebration of what would have been Betty White‘s 100th birthday on Monday (January 17), her assistant Kiersten Mikelas shared the last photo taken of Betty eleven days before her death.
Through Betty White’s official Facebook page, her assistant thanked those “who are doing kind things today and every day to make the world a better place.” She shared Betty was “as happy as ever.” You can surely see her joyful expression along with her elegant green outfit as she is seated outside on a floral chair with her hands held together.
Mikelas told PEOPLE the two “laughed and joked” together when the photo was taken. “I just want to say that Betty was very excited about filming a special message to her fans for her 100th Birthday. It was important to her because she was so grateful that so many supported her throughout her entire career,” she continued. “The day we recorded the video and I took the photo, she was excited about being ‘glammed up’ (especially since COVID had basically eliminated any other opportunities. We laughed and joked and it was a great day. It was extremely important to her that her fans see her and hear from her and I’m so glad that the producers of the tribute were able to include the message.”
The ‘Golden Girl’ died at the age of 99 on Dec. 31. Many honored her legendary life by remembering their favorite shows. A new challenge was even created in honor of her “golden” birthday, but this was not the typical challenge you are used to seeing on social media. In the #BettyWhiteChallenge, fans would pick a local rescue or animal shelter in their area and donate $5 in her name. Betty, who was an animal activist aside from being an actress, would have been extremely thrilled to know lots of furry friends found new homes.
In honor of Betty White's 100th birthday on January 17, PAWS has joined the viral #BettyWhiteChallenge to raise money for homeless pets. ❤️
To support PAWS in this amazing challenge, you can donate here: https://t.co/1uLeYfrgVq pic.twitter.com/EpNdQfzMBF
— PAWS Shelter of Central Texas (@pawsshelter) January 12, 2022
The Betty White Challenge. January 17th. #BettyWhiteChallenge
Please pass it on… pic.twitter.com/itufEumDE9
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) January 3, 2022
Thank you fur being a friend! 45 dogs & cats met their new families during the @JaxACPS Betty White Challenge Adoption event. Free adoptions have been extended through Friday, 1/21. They still have lots of great pets waiting to meet you at 2020 Forest St.https://t.co/QmFmdNqx4A pic.twitter.com/CqazhNHqe4
— City of Jacksonville (@CityofJax) January 18, 2022
https://twitter.com/666jlt/status/1482509511709663234?s=20
Bravo to all the humans who took part in the Betty White Challenge and donated to animal charities today. You done good (for a change)!
— Lorenzo The Cat (@LorenzoTheCat) January 17, 2022
According to Fox 11, the Los Angeles Zoo raised more than $70,0000 thanks to the Betty White Challenge and dedicated a video to the late actress. Global News reported that the Second Chance Animal Rescue Society had 1,156 people donate and made $38,143; the Calgary Humane Society made more than $50,000; the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew made $59,000; the Meow Foundation made $10,173; and the Nanton Animal Protection Society made $2,210 in donations. We think this should be an everyday challenge, furreal!
Celebrities such as Morgan Freeman remembered the actress with a tweet saying, “Life is precious, and so are the friends that we meet along the way. Happy Heavenly Birthday tomorrow Betty White! You will always be treasured!”
Life is precious, and so are the friends that we meet along the way. Happy Heavenly Birthday tomorrow Betty White! You will always be treasured! pic.twitter.com/0Q31oH72A4
— Morgan Freeman (@morgan_freeman) January 16, 2022
Did you accept the #BettyWhiteChallenge? Let us know and share with us pictures of your furry friends by tweeting us @celebsecrets.
