Beloved American actress Betty White has died at the age of 99, just a few weeks before her 100th birthday. White had an illustrious career that spanned several decades. She first appeared on screen in 1939 when television was still just an experiment.

She is most popularly known for her role as Rose on the Golden Girls. Her agent spoke with People Magazine about the loss.

“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,” the agent said.

White was gearing up to celebrate her 100th birthday on Jan. 17. ​