Betty White Wished For A Private Funeral, 'Never Wanted People To Make A Fuss Over Her'

Betty White wanted a privacy ceremony for her funeral.

White was a legendary actress and loved by many after appearing in countless movies. However, she never wanted the public to make a fuss over her.

"The arrangements are being handled privately and that was Betty's wish," her agent at APA (Agency for the Performing Arts) and friend Jeff Witjas told People. "As in life, she never wanted people to make a fuss over her."

Since the comedian preferred a private ceremony, Witjas encouraged those who wished to honor White's memory to donate to her favorite organizations — The Los Angeles Zoo, Tree People, Monterey Bay Aquarium, Wildlife Learning Center, Actors and Animals for Others, The Aquarium of the Pacific and Guide Dogs For the Blind.

"If someone has a desire to do something in her honor, you can support or donate to one or more of her favorite charities or even donate to a local animal charity of your choice," he added.

White was an animal advocate when she was still alive. She also worked with the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA), a nonprofit partner of the Los Angeles Zoo, for over 50 years. Due to her work for the animals, the City of Los Angeles dubbed the "Proposal" star the "Ambassador to the Animals." She was also made an honorary zookeeper by the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers.

White passed away Friday. She was 99 years old. She died three weeks before her centennial birthday. There were rumors that her death was connected to a COVID-19 booster, which Witjas immediately shut down.

"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," he was quoted by Page Six as saying. "Her death should not be politicized — that is not the life she lived."

According to Witjas, the legendary actress passed away "peacefully in her sleep" at her home in Los Angeles. As one of White's closest friends, he said he would miss her so much.

"I will miss her terribly and so will the animal world that she loved so much. 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," Witjas said.