SR0701 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0701 LRB102 23865 MST 33058 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Betty White, who passed away on December 31, 2021; and

WHEREAS, Betty White was born in Oak Park to Harris and Tess White on January 17, 1922; and

WHEREAS, Betty White was widely recognized in her craft as having built a career that spanned seven decades, such that Guinness World Records certified her as the female entertainer with the longest career; and

WHEREAS, Betty White was awarded seven Emmy awards for her acting; she was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1995 and was voted Entertainer of the Year by members of the Associated Press; she was given a lifetime achievement award by the Screen Actors Guild in 2010, only to continue acting and producing well into her 90s; and

WHEREAS, Betty White supported the breaking of racial barriers in the television industry by featuring a Black tap dancer, Arthur Duncan, on The Betty White Show as a regular during the 1950s; and

WHEREAS, Betty White was a lifelong animal lover; alongside her beloved husband and supporter, Allen Ludden, she devoted her time off-screen to supporting the American Humane Association, the Morris Animal Foundation, the Fund for Animals, and the Los Angeles Zoo; and

WHEREAS, Betty White was honored in 2006 by the Los Angeles Zoo with the title "Ambassador to the Animals" and a plaque unveiled in her honor; and

WHEREAS, Betty White brought joy to countless Americans over the decades with her humor and artistic abilities; and

WHEREAS, Illinois is a state that seeks to richly contribute to the greater American culture through creative vision and honors individuals that dedicate their life to philanthropic endeavors; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare January 17, 2022 as "Betty White Day" in the State of Illinois to commemorate the deeply devoted, artistic, visionary, and philanthropic spirit of Betty White; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we mourn the passing of Betty White and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, many coworkers, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Betty White as an expression of our deepest sympathy.