The Heartwarming Story Of Who Inherited Betty White’s Money After Her Death
via Television Academy / Youtube
Betty White, an actress adored by many, lived a life filled with laughter, joy, and an immense love for animals. When she passed away in late December 2021, just shy of turning 100, the question on many people’s minds was, “What happens to Betty White’s fortune?” According to CNN, Betty White humorously stated, “I have to stay in show business to pay for my animal business.” This gives us a glimpse into how passionate she was about animal welfare.
$75 million Fortune Left by Betty White
It was widely speculated that White, who amassed an estimated fortune of $75 million, left a significant portion of it to a trust. This trust was believed to benefit various animal charities she supported throughout her life, although Bridget Mackay Law notes that the specifics of White’s estate weren’t made public. Her love for animals wasn’t just talk; in September 2022, many of White’s personal belongings were auctioned off, raising $4 million for animal and environmental causes, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Betty White was married three times, with her third husband, Allen Ludden, passing away in 1981. Although she did not have biological children, she had three stepchildren and pets, whom she adored. It’s believed she set up a pet trust to ensure her pets were well-cared for after her death. Speaking about White, her agent, Jeff Witjas, told People, “Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever. 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.”
Throughout her life, Betty White’s dedication to animal welfare was evident in her support for numerous causes and organizations like the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, American Humane, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Endangered Wolf Center, and BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center. White’s passion for animals was not just a phase or passing interest; it was her life’s mission. Her aspirations initially lay in becoming a forest ranger or a zookeeper. She once humorously remarked in a 2012 interview with Smithsonian Magazine, “Back when I started, girls couldn’t be forest rangers. But now they made me an honorary one, made it very official, and I was deeply honored.”
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Betty White’s Love For Animals
Her love for animals was instilled in her by her parents. She stated, “Both my mother and father were tremendous animal lovers. They imbued in me the fact that, to me, there isn’t an animal on the planet that I don’t find fascinating and want to learn more about.” This passion even led her to assist with a sea otter surgery at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Following her passing, the aquarium announced, “To honor her tireless devotion to animal advocacy work, we are renaming our planned giving program the Betty White Ocean Legacy Circle. Thank you for being a friend to so many, Betty, and for always reminding us that good things happen when we work together to make a difference.”
In honor of what would have been her 100th birthday, fans around the world participated in the #BettyWhiteChallenge. This initiative encouraged people to donate $5 to their chosen animal charity on her birthday. The challenge was a massive success, raising $12.7 million through Facebook and Instagram, benefiting countless animal welfare organizations such as The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BCSPCA), The Nashville Humane Association, and The Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando.
Reacting to the success of the challenge, Best Friends Animal Society CEO Julie Castle said, “Betty White was a champion for animals and Best Friends Animal Society was lucky enough to receive donations from her for over 20 years. She was always thinking and caring for pets in need and this challenge is a beautiful way to support your local shelter and honor her legacy. We are so thankful for everything she has done for animals and we are so grateful for all who are donating to help save them all.”
Betty White’s legacy is a highlight to her love for animals and the impact one person can have on the world. Her commitment to animal welfare, coupled with her boundless humor and warmth, made her a beloved figure far beyond the entertainment industry. It’s clear that through her planned giving and the continued efforts of fans around the globe, Betty White’s legacy will continue to support and protect animals for years to come.
