People do die of “old age,” even in a modern medical era. Our bodies can just give out at a certain time, the organs simply don’t function like they’re supposed to, and the soul and body are simply exhausted. In Betty White’s case, it felt like her passing took people by surprise because she still seemed so full of life, and it definitely felt like she had that spark and vitality which would have carried her through another few years, at least. That’s why I think the rumors started circulating that White had a breakthrough case of Covid, or that she had gotten a booster shot recently and maybe the booster was to “blame.” Because even though she was 99, her passing still felt “sudden.” In any case, White’s agent is cryptically “clearing up” those rumors:
Betty White’s agent is clearing up rumors surrounding the late TV icon’s death. White’s agent and close friend Jeff Witjas previously confirmed to the Associated Press that White did not receive a booster shot on Dec. 28. Social media users falsely claimed White said, “Eat healthy and get all your vaccines. I just got boosted today.”
In a statement on Monday, Witjas said, “Betty died peacefully in her sleep at her home. People are saying her death was related to getting a booster shot three days earlier but that is not true. She died of natural causes. Her death should not be politicized — that is not the life she lived.”
Addressing the false quote, Witjas added, “She never said that regarding the booster. Betty died of natural causes. She did not have the booster three days before she died.”
I take this to mean that Betty White was boostered at some point, but Witjas doesn’t want to give an exact date, lest the anti-vaxxers use that information for their own unhinged purposes. And let’s be clear: the booster shots are NOT killing people. The booster shots are perfectly safe. Everyone should get vaccinated and boostered.
Photos courtesy of Avalon Red.
It’s also been reported that she said a “last word” before passing. As she died in her sleep, I find this a figment of someone’s imagination.
Some one claimed she called her husband’s name, if she was sleeping how did hear that.
She was NINETY-NINE years old. Why is her death so hard to comprehend? Most of us will NOT reach her age.
Concerning boosters. My kids were finally able to get their shots last month. I got my booster the same time they got their first shot. My husband did not, and he had his first round of shots sometime last spring/early summer. For three whole days we were unknowingly in a house with someone that has covid. Guess who is ill and has been in bed the last two days. Not any of us that recently got the shot.
There’s really no more enviable end of life scenario than being active and healthy to the very end. It’s crazy to think medicine can keep someone alive forever. Our bodies just aren’t designed to live forever. Modern medicine helps us maximize our quality of life in the time we have, but a lot of it is good genes and good fortune.
Oh for the love of….we are not immortal people, she died of being 99 freaking years old. It happens. 🙄
As far as the “last word” story. I don’t think there was any malicious or bad intent. The impression I got was that it was the last thing that particular person heard her say/talk about (which is lovely), they then told that story to someone else who took it a different way and talked about it to a reporter, and then the gossip press does what it does. Her actual last words were probably “good night” or “see you tomorrow” to her carer. Not worth making a huge fuss over.
You are correct. So who is making the huge fuss? Have re read and can’t find it.
Oh that was somewhat sarcastic, sorry. Twitter was, of course. But you can find a huge fuss over anything on Twitter. 🤷♀️
I feel bad that her agent, who probably truly loved her, had to make this statement because people are being stupid and ridiculous. She was NINETY NINE.
A friend and her family all recently got covid, and were pretty sick – thank goodness they all got vaxxed and boostered, or they all would have been hospitalized or worse.
Most people I know in her age group got boosters several months ago, so this is a very silly rumor. I hope it hasn’t caused her loved ones too much pain.
Same, Lucy 2. My husband, daughter and I are triple-vaxxed. My husband and daughter got Covid and I didn’t. They each have at least one underlying condition. I just read that in New York (where I live), the week of December 20 (when they got sick), the breakthrough infection rate had quadrupled. Omicron is twice as transmissible as Delta. Neither of my family members were hospitalized, so I’m grateful for that. Remember, the vaccine will most likely prevent you from being hospitalized or dying. Get vaccinated and get the booster. Get your kids vaccinated and boostered. Do it now if you haven’t.
I don’t know if Betty White got the booster, and I personally don’t take the agent’s statement to mean that she did get it, but at a different time. I’m not going to assume in either direction. This pandemic has taught me that honestly there is no use assuming how anyone will react in a crisis situation. People can and will surprise you, for better or worse.
Betty White was a delight and I’m sorry to see her pass, but based on her interviews it sounds like she truly loved life. Rest In Peace.
Using her to further their ridiculous anti-vax nonsense is insane. I swear these anti vaxers have no shame. I can’t imagine why anyone would be against vaccines anyway. Unless it’s a valid medical reason then people should get vaxed.
Oh FFS, she was 99 years old and died in her sleep. I mean, she was and is beloved, and it took us all by surprise, but to make it about booster shots? Gtfooh. These people will stoop to anything.
I know!! Yes, her death was a surprise due to her being so active and always on the go, but she had the best death anyone could ask for, in her sleep. And she was 99 frinkin’ years old!!! They call it a natural death for a reason!!
I have to confess, that I have been spending my days watching GG, HIC and the MMTS all weekend. It also brings me back to that fact that we lost Ed Asner not long ago either. I was awake at 4AM Saturday morning watching a the GG and couldn’t stop laughing!! My husband and I don’t share a bedroom due to my illness, but he came in and asked why I was laughing so hard, and I showed him one of their funny stories!
Betty White was pure joy, happiness, kindness and compassion. Plus she was incredibly talented too.
I’m a night nurse. I have cared for and sat with many who were at the end of the journey here. Its an honor, I believe, to bear witness. that said, I have seen this happen many many times, people will choose their time. Be it when its the last day of an unhappy year and we’re already sad or because beloved grandchild traveled far and just arrived. Or they are lonely, felt finished, missed their loved ones. I think Betty went on the night of the biggest party night of the world. Me, I choose to believe the dancing, celebrating and fireworks were all totally in honor of Betty White. Thank-you for truly, truly being a friend.