Betty White TV special—when is it, and which celebrities will be taking part in celebrating the Golden Girls icon?

Cher released a video covering the Golden Girls theme tune ahead of Betty White’s TV special

Betty White will be honored in an upcoming TV special
(Image credit: Amanda Edwards/WireImage)

It’s been nearly a month since the world bid farewell to one of America’s favorite screen legends, actress Betty White.

Betty White died on New Year’s Eve, just weeks before she would’ve turned 100 but that isn’t stopping the biggest names from different walks of life uniting to celebrate the star in an upcoming TV special.

President Joe Biden will join a lineup of celebrities featured in an upcoming special dedicated to the life of the Golden Girls icon.


After the news of her death broke, President Biden took to Twitter to honor the actress.

He wrote, “Betty White brought a smile to the lips of generations of Americans. She’s a cultural icon who will be sorely missed. Jill and I are thinking of her family and all those who loved her this New Year’s Eve.”

The Golden Girls - Estelle Getty, Bea Arthur, Rue McLanahan and Betty White

(Image credit: NBCU Photobank)

Other stars featured in the upcoming TV special include Goldie Hawn, Tina Fey and Jay Leno.

Pop legend Cher has already released her cover of the Golden Girls theme tune in tribute.

A post shared by Cher (@cher)

A photo posted by on

Sharing the clip on Instagram, fans flooded Cher’s comments with praise for the cover, with comments including, “Beautiful tribute! #thankyouforbeingafriend” and “where can I download this immediately.”

When is the Betty White TV special?

The special will then be available to stream from February 1 on NBC’s streaming service, Peacock.

Celebrating Betty White: America’s Golden Girl will air Monday, January 31 at 10 p.m. EST on NBC.

What to expect from Betty White: America’s Golden Girl

NBC confirmed that during the special, friends and fans of Betty will, "recount their favorite memories and reveal untold stories to commemorate the life and legacy of the trailblazing television star. The telecast will include clips and never-before-seen footage that best capture White's irreverent tone, spirit and impeccable comedic timing that are a hallmark of her decades-long career."

Joining the likes of President Biden are some of the biggest names from the entertainment industry.

Drew Barrymore, Jean Smart, Jimmy Fallon, Mary Steenburgen, Ted Danson, Wendie Malick, Bryan Cranston, Anthony Mackie and Ellen DeGeneres are all confirmed to be taking part.

Betty White was an Emmy, Grammy and SAG Award winner most famous for her roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and the Golden Girls.

Betty White

(Image credit: CBS Photo Archive)

Betty was also a tireless advocate for animals, something which was honored on what would’ve been her 100th birthday.

On January 17, fans participated in the #BettyWhiteChallenge, an initiative to donate to animal charities.

Facebook and Instagram confirmed that $12.7 million was raised for charities using the hashtag on their platforms.

The day after the celebration, the Los Angeles Zoo Association, which Betty was a patron of, said they raised over $70,000 through the fundraising effort.

Jack Slater
Freelance writer

Jack Slater is not the Last Action Hero, but that's what comes up first when you Google him. Preferring a much more sedentary life, Jack gets his thrills by covering news, entertainment, celebrity, film and culture for woman&home, and other digital publications.

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