Betty White has broken her silence on close friend Mary Tyler Moore’s death.
The 95-year-old actress took to Instagram on Friday (27.01.17) to pay tribute to her late co-star – who died aged 80 on Wednesday (25.01.17) – by sharing a picture with her former spouse Allen Ludden, who died in 1981, and Grant Tinker, who was married to Mary until 1981.
Alongside the old photo, Betty – who was previously married to Dick Barker and Lane Allen in the 1940s – wrote: "Mary Tyler Moore, Grant Tinker, Allen Ludden and I had some of the best times of my life together. She was special (sic)"
The pair starred alongside each other in ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ in 70s.
Most recently Mary appeared as a guest on the TV show ‘Hot in Cleveland’ in 2011 and 2013, where she was reunited with her Betty.
Tributes have flooded in for Mary since the news of her death from cardiopulmonary arrest after a week on a ventilator.
Michael Keaton, 65, remembered the "incredibly funny and completely generous" friend he worked with on ‘Mary’ and ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Hour’ in the late 1970s.
He told People in a statement: "Mary Tyler Moore could light up a room! She is an icon and a friend.
"She was my cast mate and my boss. She was incredibly funny and completely generous.
"As an actor and comedian, she allowed me and everyone to perform. Letting us just do our thing without any competitiveness.
"She was not only a pioneer in TV, comedy and business but she was a role model for women in general. She built an empire with MTM Enterprises and she paved the way for our new talents like Amy, Tina and others. She is truly going to be missed."
And Oprah Winfrey reflected on meeting her idol as she shared an old photo of herself and Mary.
She wrote on Twitter: "Even now looking at this picture I want to cry.
"I still can’t believe Mary Tyler Moore touched my face. Will love her 4 ever."
She also posted a separate message on Instagram which read: "Dear Mary, You already know how you majorly influenced my life and career.
"I respected and admired your business acumen, your passion and compassion for all life, and most importantly, the values espoused through your storytelling.
"Thank you for being a Light that shined so brightly, it let me see myself in you.(sic)"
Jimmy Fallon took a moment on his ‘Tonight Show’ to hail the television "pioneer" who felt like a part of his family growing up.
He said: "She was a pioneer, not only for television and comedy, but for women. Her character on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ was really the first single working woman on TV. She’s been on television my whole life. Me and my family would have dinners and watch ‘Mary Tyler Moore Show’, so I almost feel like she was part of my family too.
"Sidenote: my high school yearbook quote was ‘A little song, a little dance, a little seltzer down your pants’. One of the funniest moments on television.
"She was one of the coolest, one of the classiest, one of the funniest people ever. Thank you for making us laugh."
Betty White on ‘special’ friend Mary Tyler Moore
