Exclusive: Betty White's Emotional Reaction to Passing of Bea Arthur

Copyright 2009 Kevin Winter / Getty Images
In an exclusive statement to "The Insider," actress and "The Golden Girls" costar Betty White shares her heartfelt words about the passing of Bea Arthur.

White's exclusive statement to "The Insider" reads:

"I knew it would hurt, I just didn't know it would hurt this much.. I'm so happy that she received her Lifetime Achievement Award while she was still with us, so she could appreciate that. She was such a big part of my life."

Arthur passed away on Saturday at the age of 86. A family spokesperson said the beloved actress was battling cancer, although the spokesperson did not elaborate on the cause of death.

Published 4/25/09 by the Insider

Comments (19)

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  • we love you betty.i have a old poem that may help.never ever be afaid to die,for i will be waiting for you in the sky.we are so sorry for your loss and i know how you feel.god bless you betty.you are one of our presious juels.we love you with all of...
    Anonymous 6/3/09 Reply
  • Bea Arthur was a Great Actress Gave manny Good performens Cheered my family up in their down times made a big smile on our faces after watching her shows.
    Anonymous 5/1/09 Reply
  • Bea, thank you for being a friend. You made us smile, you made us laugh, and you often made us think. Thank you for sharing your life and your talent with us all. You will be sadly missed.
    Anonymous 4/28/09 Reply
  • a real sad day..with the passing of a real great lady...may you rest in peace..you will be in our hearts forever more.

    Mark
    Anonymous 4/27/09 Reply
  • Bea Arthur was a good actress and she will be missed and i loved her on the Golden Girls along with Estelle Getty too..
    MissyD5 4/27/09 Reply
  • I was so sorry to hear of Bea's death on the news. It really shocked me. She was my favourite GG.
    karen
    Anonymous 4/27/09 Reply
  • I am sooo very sad about the passing of Bea Arthur!! She was greatly loved, especially by Golden Girl's Fans! Someone who touched the world with the ability to make us laugh! As w/Betty & Ru and estelle. I know many people morn in this sad time!...
    Anonymous 4/27/09 Reply
  • Bea Arthur was a true talent as a comedian/actress....laughing with her , at her during her performances, was true heaven. It just won't be the same without her. Thank God for her life and her talents.
    Anonymous 4/26/09 Reply
  • She looks delicious! I saw her at a wealthy men called ____C e l e b C u p i d . c o, m___last week. I am wondering what kind of relationship she is looking for on that site.
    Anonymous 4/26/09 Reply
  • She looks delicious! I saw her at a wealthy men called ____C e l e b C u p i d . c o, m___last week. I am wondering what kind of relationship she is looking for on that site.
    Anonymous 4/26/09 Reply
  • It was so sad to hear of her passing.I thoroughly enjoy watching her show.My prayers are with her and her family.
    Anonymous 4/26/09 Reply
  • So sorry the Bea has pass on... I will miss her as you do. I Love the whiole cast of the gg.. please take care Betty
    CarolE6 4/26/09 Reply
  • she's old and she's still look awesome hhh
    HananK 4/26/09 Reply
  • Sad:(
    NeverLetGo 4/26/09 Reply
  • Bea Arthur will certainly be missed as well as Estelle Getty. I have all of the seasons of Golden Girls on DVD and I can't get enough of the show. I am really sad about her passing.
    EricaF9 4/25/09 Reply