As the world mourns the loss of beloved actor Betty White, a resurfaced interview has revealed why the Golden Girls legend wasn't afraid of dying.
White sadly passed away on Friday, December 31 - less than three weeks before her 100th birthday. The news was confirmed by her agent and close friend Jeff Witjas, who told People in a statement: "Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever."
And despite the news of White's passing bringing sadness to many, a resurfaced interview has revealed that the iconic star never feared dying.
Back in 2011, White sat down for an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, during which she was asked by Katie Couric: "Are you afraid of dying?"
With a smile on her face, White replied: "No. Not at all. Not at all."
White then explained: "My mother had the most wonderful outlook on death. She would always say, 'Nobody knows.' People think they do, but you can believe whatever you wanna believe what happens in that last moment - but nobody ever knows until it happens."
She added: "She said it's a secret, so growing up whenever we'd lose somebody, she'd always say, 'Now they know the secret.'"
The Proposal star was then asked about what she believes is the secret to a long life, to which she shared a lesson she had learned from her "animal friends".
"Kindness and consideration of somebody besides yourself," White said. "I think that keeps you feeling young. I really do."
In his statement to People, Witjas said that he also did not believe White was afraid of death, saying: "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."
Ludden - White's third and last husband - died in June 1981.
In an interview with People earlier this month, White once again spoke of her mom's optimistic nature and how it influenced her and led to a long and happy life.
"I got it from my mom, and that never changed," she said. "I always find the positive."
Then, joking about her diet, White said: "I try to avoid anything green. I think it's working."
Our thoughts are with Betty's family, friends, and fans at this time.
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