Beloved actress Betty White died peacefully in her sleep after suffering a stroke, reports TMZ. The outlet says it has seen a copy of White’s death certificate.
White passed on New Year’s Eve, less than three weeks before she was due to celebrate her 100th birthday. In the wake of her passing, some anti-vaxxers falsely claimed her death came about after she had a Covid booster. However, her agent quickly denied this to be the case and said it was due to “natural causes.”
Related: The ever charming & beloved Betty White has died at 99
TMZ says her death certificate states her passing came about following a “cerebrovascular accident” (a medical term for a stroke). This is usually due to a blood clot or broken blood vessel in the brain.
According to the certificate, White suffered a stroke six days before her passing. A source close to the performer confirmed to People that White suffered “a mild stroke”. Sources told TMZ that White was alert and coherent afterward.
White’s longtime agent and friend would neither confirm nor deny the details reported by TMZ: “Betty passed in her sleep peacefully without pain,” Jeff Witjas told People. “To me this is the most important thing and brings me comfort as her dear friend. Anything else is private to Betty.”
White had a career stretching back over 70 years. For many around the world, she will be best remembered for her role in the hugely popular 1980s sitcom, The Golden Girls.
Speaking to People last week, Witjas said that he would often remind White how loved she was.
“Betty lived a great life and she lived a life that she chose. She was happy. Every time I told her, ‘Betty, you’re loved,’ she would look at me with a wry smile and say, ‘Really?’ I hope she knew. I think she did. It was something beyond love.”
cuteguy
She is a true legend and what a peaceful way for her to pass away. RIP Queen Betty. You will be missed but we will cherish you through your work and philanthropy with animals. A true angel
whateverokok
I wouldn’t call suffering a stroke peaceful. But hey, whatever cranks your Honda.
johncp56
Still so very sad,,
SPEEDOSWIMMER
May she Rest In Peace.
Griff_Greymuzzle
I’m confused. If she passed in her sleep of a stroke then how did her assistant, who claims to have been with her when she passed, know her last words were her late husband’s name?? This makes no sense to me.
(If you’re curious about the assistant, Google “Betty White’s Last Words”)
RyanMBecker
No, the actual stroke occurred 6 days before her death, from which she mostly recovered (“alert and current”). When one says that death occurred following an event, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the event was the primary cause. Physician notes often detail any medical events that occurred before a death even if the connection is unproven. In this case, we don’t even have the exact wording on the notes.
In other words, she likely had a mild stroke or TIA (a mild temporary blockage) then recovered. Went home, and on the 6th day, before sleeping, she uttered, “Allan.” And then never woke up. Nothing implies that she whispered his name at the moment of death — merely that it was her last word.
Tombear
Make sure you donate to your local animal welfare agency in memory of Betty White.