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Betty White dies at 99, weeks before 100th birthday, according to reports

The beloved actress was set to celebrate her centennial birthday on January 17
Posted: 12:09 PM, Dec 31, 2021
Updated: 2021-12-31 16:16:34-05
Betty White

Betty White has died at age 99, according to reports from TMZ and People.

White, who was born in 1922, would have turned 100 on January 17.

Law enforcement told TMZ White died at her home Friday morning.

Betty White
FILE - In this Feb. 15, 2015 file photo, Betty White attends the SNL 40th Anniversary Special in New York. White, a passionate animal activist, has harsh words for the Minnesota dentist that killed a protected lion known as Cecil while on a hunting trip in Zimbabwe this month. “You don’t want to hear some of the things I want to do to that man,” said the 93-year-old actress in an interview Thursday, July 30. White was promoting a new block of programming on Discovery Family Channel called “Pawgust,” throughout the month of August, with shows, specials and movies about animals. She will serve as the host of “Pawgust,” and be featured in promos. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

A new coffee table book celebrating White's life and career was recently published as she neared the century milestone.

The book by a veteran entertainment journalist details White's journey in Hollywood, including hosting an early variety-talk show. Carol Burnett and Candice Bergen are among those interviewed for the book, written by Ray Richmond and titled “Betty White: 100 Remarkable Moments in an Extraordinary Life."

PHOTOS: A look back at the storied life of the beloved actress, comedienne

Her witty style gave life to a roster of quirky characters over more than a half-century.

They included the oddball Rose Nylund in “The Golden Girls” and the outspoken caretaker on “Hot In Cleveland.” She also drew laughs in the 2009 comedy “The Proposal” and the horror spoof “Lake Placid.”

TV Golden Girls Popularity
FILE - This Dec. 25, 1985 file photo shows the stars of the television series "The Golden Girls" , from left, Estelle Getty, Rue McClanahan, Bea Arthur and Betty White during a break in taping in Hollywood, Calif. The sitcom, which followed four women of a certain age living together in Miami, aired on NBC from 1985 to 1992. Nearly 35 years later, it continues to gain new fans and has inspired a wave of merchandising. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File)

By popular demand, she hosted “Saturday Night Live” in 2011.

White once said her character Sue Ann Nivens in “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” could be “icky-sweet” but was “really a piranha type.” That role brought her two Emmys.

Celebrities began Friday sharing their tributes to Betty White, detailing special moments involving the actress.

Gavin MacLeod, Valerie Harper, Cloris Leachman, Betty White, Ed Asner
FILE - Former cast members of the Mary Tyler Moore Show, sans Mary Tyler Moore, are reunited for the Museum of Television and Radio's 9th annual Television Festival in Los Angeles on March 21, 1992. From left are Gavin MacLeod, Valerie Harper, Cloris Leachman, Betty White and Ed Asner. Leachman, a character actor whose depth of talent brought her an Oscar for the "The Last Picture Show" and Emmys for her comedic work in "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and other TV series, has died. She was 94. (AP Photo/Craig Fujii, File)

A nationwide theatrical event of "Betty White: 100 Years Young — A Birthday Celebration,” was scheduled for Jan. 17, which would have been her 100th birthday.

The one-day-only movie event is set to highlight moments the actress had during her career with appearances by Ryan Reynolds, Tina Fey, Robert Redford, and Morgan Freeman.

RELATED: Five things you may not know about Betty White

It's not clear whether those event plans have changed following White's death.

Betty White
Betty White and Ed Asner hold Emmys they won in Los Angeles in May 1975. (AP Photo)