Betty White Death: Actress 'Knew' How Beloved She Was, Agent Says

Betty White "knew" she was loved by millions of fans around the world in her final days.

Before White passed away Friday at the age of 99, the Hollywood icon's agent at APA and longtime friend Jeff Witjas said he always reminded her of her popularity among fans.

"She knew it, but I would tell her often," Witjas told People. "Even when she wasn't working, I said, 'Betty, millions of people out there are still asking for you. You're getting your fan letters, I'm getting offers for you.'"

He continued, "I don't know if she ever embraced it, [or] really, really felt it. The extent of it. I really don't. I would always reinforce it with her because I always felt she should know that. I never wanted her to think while she was sitting at home, that the world has passed her by. It never did."

Witjas went on to share that White had lived a "happy" and "great" life, one that she chose. He added that her popularity went "beyond love."

"Every time I told her, 'Betty, you're loved,' she would look at me with a wry smile and say, 'Really?' I hope she knew. I think she did," he said.

Witjas had a close bond with the "Golden Girls" star, whom he considered to be not only a work colleague but also a dear friend.

The agent described White as "an incredible lady" who was "hard to put into words." He added that she was far more than just a client for him and that he shared a "special" relationship with the legendary actress.

Witjas recalled laughter being always present in the times they spent together as White was "always positive" and "always saw the bright side."

"She promised me she would live to 100 — and she almost did," he added.

Witjas previously confirmed to People that White "died peacefully in her sleep" at her home in Los Angeles on New Year's Eve, just two and a half weeks before what would have been her centennial birthday.

In his statement, he said White never feared death because she "always wanted to be with her most beloved husband Allen Ludden" and "believed she would be with him again."

Prior to her death, the veteran actress was gearing up to celebrate her 100th birthday on Jan. 17.

"I'm so lucky to be in such good health and feel so good at this age. It's amazing," White told People during a recent cover story interview.

Following the announcement of her death, fans and celebrities took to social media to honor White, including Ryan Reynolds, Sandra Bullock, Reese Witherspoon, Viola Davis, Debra Messing and Diane Kruger.

White's "Hot in Cleveland" co-star Valerie Bertinelli also shared her condolences on social media.

"Rest in peace, sweet Betty," Bertinelli wrote. "My God, how bright heaven must be right now."