Legendary actor Betty White sadly passed away on Friday (31 Dec) and was just weeks away from celebrating her 100th birthday.
She was due to celebrate her special day on Jan 17 and a tribute film titled Betty White: 100 Years Young — A Birthday Celebration was set to play in movie theatres for one night only.
Following her unexpected death, there was uncertainty whether the film would still be released.
However, as White herself probably said at some point in her career - the show must go on - despite the tragic news.
Steve Boettcher and Mike Trinklein, who are the event’s producers, told The NY Post that the film will premiere next month.
They said: "Our hearts mourn today with the passing of Betty White.
"During the many years we worked with her, we developed a great love and admiration for Betty as a person, and as an accomplished entertainer.
"We are thankful for the many decades of delight she brought to everyone. Betty always said she was the ‘luckiest broad on two feet’ to have had a career as long as she did.
"And honestly, we were the lucky ones to have had her for so long.
"We will go forward with our plans to show the film on Jan. 17 in hopes our film will provide a way for all who loved her to celebrate her life — and experience what made her such a national treasure.”
The guest list is set to include Ryan Reynolds, Tina Fey, Robert Redford, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Jay Leno, Carol Burnett, Craig Ferguson, Jimmy Kimmel, Valerie Bertinelli, James Corden, Wendie Malick and Jennifer Love Hewitt.
TMZ allege that White died from natural causes, however, all is yet to be confirmed.
Her agent and close friend Jeff Witjas told People magazine: "Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever."
In a career that spanned over 80 years, she proved that age is certainly just a number.
She is best known for her Emmy-winning roles on television sitcoms The Golden Girls and The Mary Tyler Moore Show.
The 99-year-old recently featured on People magazine's front cover to discuss her longevity ahead of her birthday and said that her mother installed a positive attitude in her which is what lead to a long and happy life.
She said: "I got it from my mom, and that never changed. I always find the positive."
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: TV and Film
Anish Vij