The world lost a true friend on New Year’s Eve.
Comedy legend Betty White died on Dec. 31 just weeks before her 100th birthday.
The trailblazing “Golden Girls” and “Mary Tyler Moore Show” star shined for 80 years in the business, becoming a cultural icon in her 80s and 90s.
Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Mike Lopez told The Post that officers responded to a radio call Friday at about 9:30 a.m. concerning “a natural death investigation” at the 99-year-old’s home in Brentwood, Calif.
Her agent and close friend Jeff Witjas later confirmed the news to People magazine.
White was set to premiere a one-night-only event to mark her milestone birthday. “Betty White: 100 Years Young — A Birthday Celebration” was to be distributed by Fathom Events and shown in 900 cinemas nationwide on Jan. 17, 2022.
And of course we all knew the truth — but did she realize she’s a legit pop culture icon?
“My egomaniacal answer is — of course, I’m the center of the storm!,” White once told The Post with a chuckle. “That’s a joke. I’m just grateful to be working, and that starts at the beginning. When you start out, you’re so grateful to have a job … and you carry that feeling through your whole career. At least I have.”
Heartbroken fans and stars alike — including President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden, paid tribute to her long life and eclectic career over social media.
Biden shared his thoughts during a Friday press conference. “That’s a shame. She was a lovely lady.” FLOTUS added, “Who didn’t love Betty White? We’re so sad.”
Naturally, her friends in comedy had some choice memories of the late icon.
Her “Hot in Cleveland” co-star Valerie Bertinelli shared a more somber condolence.
“Will and Grace” actress Debra Messing was also among the flood of shocked celebs who took to Twitter to share their thoughts and memories. “Betty White. Oh noooooooo,” Messing wrote. “I grew up watching and being delighted by her. She was playful and daring and smart. We all knew this day would come but it doesn’t take away the feeling of loss. A national treasure, indeed. Fly with the Angels.”
Actor Henry Winkler tweeted: “Betty White : [It] is very hard to absorb you are not here anymore.. But the memories of your deLIGHT are ..Thank you for yur humor , your warmth and your activism .. Rest now and say Hi to Bill.”
Netflix’s Jarett Wieselman added, “Betty White was an icon, a legend, and consistently found a way to be the moment over her nearly 70 year career. A trailblazer. An original. And a truly kind soul. May she be forever surrounded by four-legged animals in heaven.”
One ardent fan wrote, “Betty White passing away hurts. May our Golden Girl rest in eternal peace.”
“Taking Betty White 2 weeks before she was going to turn 100 is really 2021 stabbing us with the knife but then twisting it to finish off the year,” another heartbroken user said.
Actress and Oscar winner Marlee Matlin added, “Betty White will go down in the history books as ageless..99 or 100, the numbers belie the fact that she lived the best life EVER! RIP Betty White.”
“1) Betty White. Where do I begin? I’ve known her long, but I think the first time I met her was when she was a guest star on Suddenly Susan in the late 90s. Everyone was very excited she was on the show. I had accidentally parked in her parking spot that day. She walks in…” comedian Kathy Griffin noted.
George Takei said, “Our national treasure, Betty White, has passed just before her 100th birthday. Our Sue Ann Nivens, our beloved Rose Nylund, has joined the heavens to delight the stars with her inimitable style, humor, and charm. A great loss to us all. We shall miss her dearly.”