Here’s Why Betty White Chose To Never Have Children

Betty White may have been known as America’s grandma, but she never had any children of her own. Now, in the wake of her death this past Saturday at the age of 99, a 2012 interview has surfaced in which White explained this decision, and revealed if she had any regrets.

‘I’ve Never Regretted It’

“No, I’ve never regretted it,” White told CBS about never having kids. “I’m so compulsive about stuff, I know if I had ever gotten pregnant, of course, that would have been my whole focus. But I didn’t choose to have children because I’m focused on my career. And I just don’t think as compulsive as I am that I could manage both.”

White was married three times. Her first marriage to Dick Barker, a fighter pilot, was short lived. They married and got divorced in the same year – 1945. White then married Lane Allen in 1947, but they split up in 1949. 

Her third husband, Allen Ludden, was the love of her life. They married in 1963 and were together until his death in 1981. With Ludden, White had three stepchildren who she remained close to even after he passed away – David, Martha, and Sarah.

Sandra Bullock, who costarred with White in the 2009 movie The Proposal, once said that the former “Golden Girls” star felt “blessed” to be a stepmother.

“Betty said, ‘You know what? I never had children biologically. I married someone who had three children. And how blessed I was to have those three stepchildren,’” Bullock told People Magazine.

Sandra Bullock raised her glass to Betty. 

Related: Betty White Uttered This Powerful Last Word Says ‘Carol Burnett Show’ Star Vicki Lawrence

‘I Thought She Would Live Forever’

White died in her sleep on New Year’s Eve, 17 days shy of her 100th birthday. 

“Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever,” her longtime agent Jeff Witjas told People Magazine. “I will miss her terribly and so will the animal world that she loved so much. I don’t think Betty ever feared passing because she always wanted to be with her most beloved husband Allen Ludden. She believed she would be with him again.”

“She was an incredible lady. Hard to put into words,” he continued. “We had a special relationship, far more than just a client. We became really good friends and we always laughed no matter what we did. She was always positive and she always saw the bright side. She promised me she would live to 100 — and she almost did.”

Related: Betty White’s Agent Goes Public With Her Cause Of Death To Dispel Internet Rumors

White Will Be Dearly Missed

White may never have had children of her own, but millions of Americans thought of her as their beloved grandmother. She will be dearly missed by her legions of fans, and there will never be another like her. God bless you, Betty White, and rest in peace.

Here’s a video of Betty White and Allen Ludden in “Match Game.” It’s so awesome to see these celebrities from days gone by!