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A brand new movie special about Betty White will feature the television star’s final on-screen appearance.
“Producers Steve Boettcher and Mike Trinklein told The Hollywood Reporter that the special, which will debut in theaters for one day only on January 17, includes an interview that the Golden Girls star gave 11 days before her death,” the Daily Mail reported.
“Betty shot a tribute to her fans on Dec. 20, which will be in the film,” Boettcher told the media outlet.
He continued, “It was her idea to do this. She said, ‘I want my fans to know this.'”
“We’ve been asked to share it. We’ve been asked to put it on social media. The only place we thought was right was putting it in the film and sharing it with her friends, family, and fans who are going to be there,” Boettcher said.
The Daily Mail reported:
Boettcher and Trinklein shared details about her final interview, in which they say she ‘ad-libbed’ without a script or teleprompter.
‘It was Dec. 20, in her home. Betty loved getting glammed up, as she called it,’ Boettcher said. ‘The dress, the hair, the look — she just loved that. It’s probably about a minute or two long clip of just her looking directly in the camera as the graciously fun, warm Betty.’
He continued, ‘She thanks all her fans over the years and for being out on the 17th to see the film. It’s just got that twinkle that’s Betty. The great thing about it is that she didn’t read it off the teleprompter or have a script.
‘Then Betty’s important message to her fans is what the film starts with. That was the crowning jewel at the beginning of the film.’
The producers weighed in the film potentially providing Betty’s final word to her friends and fans.
Boettcher said, ‘We humbly sit in this seat of privilege to be able to do this project and have the breadth of the majority of her career, really, that she’s given us and shared with us.
White died from a stroke she had six days before her December 31 death at age 99, according to CNN.
The beloved “Golden Girls” actor died at her home in Los Angeles as the result of a December 25 stroke, according to the LA County death certificate.
“White died from a stroke … a stroke she suffered nearly a week before she passed,” TMZ reported. “Betty’s cause of death is listed as a cerebrovascular accident, according to her death certificate, which is a loss of blood flow to part of the brain, resulting in brain tissue damage.”
A source told PEOPLE “It was a mild stroke. She died peacefully in her sleep.”
White’s longtime agent and friend Jeff Witjas also told PEOPLE: “Betty passed in her sleep peacefully without pain. To me, this is the most important thing and brings me comfort as her dear friend. Anything else is private to Betty.”
“Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever,” Witjas said. “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.”
“People are saying her death was related to getting a booster shot three days earlier but that is not true,” Witjas said in a statement to PEOPLE on Jan. 3. “She died of natural causes. Her death should not be politicized — that is not the life she lived.”
Notable responses to White’s death included:
Ryan Reynolds, actor: “The world looks different now. She was great at defying expectation. She managed to grow very old and somehow, not old enough. We’ll miss you, Betty. Now you know the secret.”
The U.S. Army: “We are saddened by the passing of Betty White. Not only was she an amazing actress, she also served during WWII as a member of the American Women’s Voluntary Services. A true legend on and off the screen.”
Megyn Kelly, political commentator: “I am feeling so grateful right now for the many years of enjoyment #BettyWhite brought me and my family (esp when my mom was newly widowed & we lived on Golden Girls). Rest In Peace you wonderful, beautiful, talented woman. And thank you.”
Greg Abbott, Texas governor: “RIP #BettyWhite — America’s ‘Golden Girl’”
Kayleigh McEnany, former WH press secretary: “Betty White was an American icon with an infectious spirit and a zest for life. Betty was such a joy to watch as “Rose” from Golden Girls. She lit up the screen and quickly became America’s sweetheart. We will miss you, Betty!”
Debra Messing, actress: “Betty White. Oh noooooooo. I grew up watching and being delighted by her. She was playful and daring and smart. We all knew this day would come but it doesn’t take away the feeling of loss. A national treasure, indeed. Fly with the Angels.”
Ryan Seacrest, entertainer: “All of us in Times Square and around the world are grieving the loss of Betty White. She was a TV pioneer who paved the way for so many people. Beyond that, she showed us what you can accomplish in a lifetime through kindness and humor. Rest in peace to a true American icon.”
Ellen DeGeneres, comedian: “What an exceptional life. I’m grateful for every second I got to spend with Betty White. Sending love to her family, friends and all of us.”
Kirstie Alley, actress: “Wow… what a legacy what a gal what an icon.. Betty White is simply the best. What an inspiration to all humans and a god send to all animal.”
