Betty White: Bob Newhart and other celebs react to television icon's death

Betty White’s passing has sent ripples through Hollywood.

News broke Friday that the television icon had events at the age of 99.

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“Betty White was an eyewitness to my first stand-up on national TV,” Bob Newhart said in a statement to Fox News Digital via his rep. “I had the honor of working with Betty on the series ‘Bob’ and the finale of ‘Hot In Cleveland.'”

“Betty was a regular on Jack Paar’s late-night show, and in 1960 she was there when I did my first stand-up on national television,” he continued. “Betty practically invented television and was a total pro.  We lost a giant one today.”

Carol Burnett said in a statement: “I loved Betty very very much. The world has lost one in a million.”

“To glorious, ethical, funny and just fantastic Betty White,” Academy Award winner George Chakiris said. “She was a blessing! May we all follow her example and footsteps for a better world!”

Celebrities took to social media to pay tribute to Betty White, who died at the age of 99.

Celebrities took to social media to pay tribute to Betty White, who died at the age of 99.
(Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)

“Betty was pure joy and light and positivity. She was a mentor of love,” “ET” star Dee Wallace said.

Jamie Farr of “M-A-S-H” said, “One of the very special highlights of my 67-year career was working with the brilliant Betty White. She did it all and was always at her best.  Now she is back with her beloved Allen.”

Hank Garrett recalled working with white on fundraisers for animals. 

“She was so sweet and treated everyone with such warmth,” Garrett said. “She made you feel like you’d known her all your life. She made me and everyone she knew feel like stars.”

Lucie Arnaz remembered White as “one of the great dames.”

“Sassy. Sexy. Super smart,” Arnaz said. “We met through our mutual concern for the treatment of furry four-legged friends and created Actors and Others For Animals. She showed up. She was a class act. She adored her husband, her work. She was an inspiration to this industry, and it was a privilege to call her my friend.”

BETTY WHITE’S SECRET TO A LONG, HAPPY, HEALTHY LIFE (HINT: IT CAME FROM HER MOM)

“What an exceptional life,” tweeted Ellen DeGeneres. “I’m grateful for every second I got to spend with Betty White. Sending love to her family, friends and all of us.”

“Y’all, with the passing of #BettyWhite we have lost one of the best humans ever!” LaVar Burton added.

“I was lucky enough to meet Betty White many years ago. Very gracious and amazing lady,” wrote Kevin Sorbo. “Rest In Peace.”

“Our national treasure, Betty White, has passed just before her 100th birthday,” said George Takei. “Our Sue Ann Nivens, our beloved Rose Nylund, has joined the heavens to delight the stars with her inimitable style, humor, and charm. A great loss to us all. We shall miss her dearly.”

White was known for her roles in "Golden Girls," "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Life with Elizabeth," "The Proposal" and more.

White was known for her roles in "Golden Girls," "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," "Life with Elizabeth," "The Proposal" and more.
(ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)

Rich Little said White will “be sorely missed.” 

“I was honored to have Betty on my show in the 1970s,” Little said. “I think it was the best show we ever did. She was an amazing woman, a bundle of energy and a wonderful sense of humor. Betty was loved by everyone.”

Bob Bergen remembered White as “a golden girl.” 

“As Governor of The Performers Peer Group at The Television Academy, I had the pleasure of meeting Betty White a few times over the years,” Bergen said. “She never disappointed, as she was exactly whom you expected her to be.  As sad as this loss is to our industry and her fans, we all should celebrate the life, laughs and memories which will live on in reruns for generations to come. She truly was a golden girl.”

Said Andy Cohen: “Tonight we will raise MANY glasses to the WONDERFUL legacy of Betty White!!!”

Kathy Griffin posted a lengthy tribute on Twitter, recalling her meeting White during the star’s guest spot on “Suddenly Susan.”

BETTY WHITE’S BEST LIFE LESSONS AND FUNNIEST QUOTES AS HER 100TH BIRTHDAY APPROACHES

“I had accidentally parked in her parking spot that day. She walks in, yells from the back of the soundstage for everyone to hear ‘Where’s that redheaded b—h who stole my parking spot???’ SWOON. A friendship was born.”

“OMG America’s favorite everything!!” Katharine McPhee posted on her Instagram story alongside a picture of the actress. “RIP sweet Betty.”

Stars like Ellen DeGeneres and Reese Witherspoon flocked to social media to pay tribute to Betty White.

Stars like Ellen DeGeneres and Reese Witherspoon flocked to social media to pay tribute to Betty White.
(Getty Images)

“So sad to hear about Betty White passing,” Reese Witherspoon tweeted. “I loved watching her characters that brought so much joy. Thank you, Betty, for making us all laugh!”

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Said Valerie Bertinelli: “Rest in peace, sweet Betty. My God, how bright heaven must be right now.”

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“What an incredible life …” Mario Lopez wrote alongside a snapshot of him hugging White. “RIP Betty White.”

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