Two months after she celebrated her 99th birthday, the former “Golden Girls” star Betty White is being given a huge honor. She’s been named the Woman of the Year in California.
Check out some of White’s best quotes in the video below.
White Gets Major Honor
Patch reported that Betty White is being honored as the 50th Assembly District’s 2021 “Woman of the Year” in recognition of Women’s History Month.
She received the award from Assemblymember Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica) in a special virtual ceremony last week.
“Betty White is often called a national treasure,” Bloom said. “She is known not only for her prolific career in television, but also for trailblazing a path for women pursuing careers in television, and her staunch animal welfare advocacy.”
“Betty White represents the best of Hollywood and the business of entertainment,” he added. “A staple on the television screen, she has brought laughter into the homes of generations of families. She is adamant on using her considerable platform to bring awareness to improving the lives of animals, and always with kindness, warmth, and humor.”
White Responds
The actress herself responded to the accolade with a brief statement, saying, “I am surprised and honored to be recognized for Woman of the Year. It is good to be 99.”
She has won seven Emmy Awards for her work on shows like “The Golden Girls” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.”
White was one of the first women to hold positions both in front of and behind the camera. She began her television career in 1939, just three weeks after graduating high school.
When she isn’t performing, White focuses on animal advocacy. She is a trustee of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association and serves as President Emeritus of Morris Animal Foundation.
Related: Inside Betty White’s ‘Low-Key’ Plans For Her 99th Birthday – She ‘Won’t Be Short On Attention’
History Of The Award
The Woman of the Year Award has been presented since 1987, when it was started by Assemblymember Bev Hansen (R) and Assemblymember Sally Turner (D) after they noticed the California Legislature’s lack of events for Women’s History Month.
Sponsored by the Women’s Caucus, the event now takes place every year, and it allows each state senator and assemblymember to select one woman from their district to honor.
White Celebrates Her Birthday
White celebrated her 99th birthday on January 22, telling the Associated Press at the time, “Since I am turning 99, I can stay up as late as I want without asking permission!”
Can’t you just picture her saying that?
Betty White has been a working actress for decades. She is loved by millions of fans around the world.
If anyone deserves to be named the Woman of the Year, it’s her!
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