Mary Steenburgenis paying tribute toBetty White.
The beloved comediandied on Fridayat age 99, just two and a half weeks before what would have been her centennial birthday.
In a statement exclusively to PEOPLE, Steenburgen, 68, honored the late actress, who she starred alongside in the 2009 romantic comedy filmThe Proposal. (Steenburgen starred asRyan Reynolds' mother in the film, while White portrayed his grandmother.)
“Betty White radiated joy and gratitude and was enthusiastically a lover of animals, laughter, life and people. In that order,” Steenburgen says. “I used to stare at her in the mornings in makeup trailer when she wasn’t looking. Trying to breathe in her magic. I’m doing that today.”
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Added Steenburgen: “[I] hope every animal in Heaven is there waiting for her.”
Betty White.getty
The actressrecently spoke with PEOPLEabout White ahead of what would have been the latter’s 100th birthday. Steenburgen was one of the numerous former costars of White’s to share sentiments about her for the cover story featured in this week’s issue of PEOPLE.
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Steenburgen’s husbandTed Danson— who worked alongside White to support ocean conservation — noted that he even takes lessons from the star on “how to live.” He said: “It’s not like she’s just a bubbly, joyful person. She wakes up every day and chooses to be that way. I think she leads a very purposeful life.”
“The world looks different now,“wroteReynolds, 45, who had fostered a loving relationship with White over the years. “She was great at defying expectation. She managed to grow very old and somehow, not old enough. We’ll miss you, Betty.”
White’sHot in ClevelandcostarValerie Bertinellialso shared her condolences on social media.
“Rest in peace, sweet Betty,” Bertinelli, 61, wrote. “My God, how bright heaven must be right now.”
As the world prepared to ring in a new year on Friday night,Andy Cohentweeted:“Tonight we will raise MANY glassesto the WONDERFUL legacy of Betty White!!!”
source: people.com
