Betty White was beloved around the world. Known for her roles on shows such as The Golden Girls and Hot in Cleveland, White was an active member of the entertainment world until the very end. She passed away on New Year’s Eve 2021 at the age of 99, just a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday.
Tributes to White came pouring in from famous figures such as Ryan Reynolds and Valerie Bertinelli. She also received a touching tribute from country music legend Dolly Parton, who wrote:
“Betty will live forever not only in this world but the world here after. I will always love her as we all will!“
While watching the news last night I learned of Betty White’s passing. Betty will live forever not only in this world but the world here after. I will always love her as we all will!
— Dolly Parton (@DollyParton) January 1, 2022
White was a big fan of Parton’s music. She once told The Boot that Parton’s “9 to 5” was one of her favorite country songs, and spoke highly of Parton as a songwriter.
“I like Dolly’s whole approach to life with ongoing and uplifting songs,” White said.
Parton wasn’t the only country artist White was a fan of. She also adored Blake Shelton.
White and Shelton actually had the chance to interact a few times over the years. In 2012, White appeared in a Super Bowl ad alongside Shelton and the other Voice coaches to advertise the new season of the show. The coaches rushed to make their way to White’s hotel room after hearing her sing in the shower.
White was flattered to see how much they loved her performance, saying, “It’s about time somebody wanted me for my voice…and not my body.”
The following year, Shelton performed an altered version of his hit song “Honey Bee” to honor White during her 91st birthday special.
Shelton also confessed how much he admired White, saying, “Betty, the gift I brought for you tonight comes from the heart. You see, I got a confession to make. I’ve always had a little bit of a crush on you.”
The feeling was mutual. In a clip that resurfaced on Twitter, White can be seen in the audience during a taping of The Voice.
Host Carson Daly approached White in the crowd and asked if she’d like to promote her new show. But she dismissed him, saying the only reason she was there was to stare at Shelton.
You can watch the clip of White on the Voice below. Do y’all remember this moment?