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R.I.P.
Estelle Getty: Thank You For Being Alive

Posted Jul 22nd 2008 1:29PM by TMZ Staff

"Golden Girl" Estelle Getty has gone to the big lanai in the sky and died at the age of 84, just three days shy of her 85th birthday.

Estelle passed away at 5:35 AM this morning at her L.A. home surrounded by her family and caregivers. Getty had been suffering for years with Lewy Body Dementia.

Although one year younger than Bea Arthur, Estelle is best known for playing her wise-cracking Sicilian mother Sophia Petrillo on "The Golden Girls." Co-star Betty White is also one year older than Estelle.

Getty is survived by her two adult sons.

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Tags: estelle getty, EstelleGetty

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91. "Picture this, Sicily 1952..."

Posted at 2:51PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by DY

92. I'm very sad to hear this news. Sophia Petrillo was one of the best characters on tv. She will be missed. A true talent. "Picture it Sicilly."

Posted at 2:54PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by Jatti

93. I have to say I've been waiting for this for a while too; she has been suffering for quite some time. I was a truly great woman and fought a lot for equal civil rights in her time. She will be missed. God bless you Estelle

Posted at 4:04PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by justin

94. Loved her! She had a long, wonderful life and career!

Posted at 3:01PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by Jenn

95. God be with her - what a sweet woman she was

Posted at 3:04PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by Holly

96. Loved her!! Rest in peace, Estelle!

Posted at 3:07PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by Amy

97. Awww that is so sad. She was such a great person and loved her as Sophia

Posted at 4:41PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by Melissa

98. RIP SOPHIA!!! We love you!!!

Posted at 3:19PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by kane

99. We will miss you Estelle! You're the only reason why we watched the Golden Girls!!!

Posted at 3:20PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by TMC

100. Oh this woman will be missed like no -other. Til this day I still love the show and probably always will. The mother daughter relationship was unbelieveable, and the chemistry between Sophia and Dorothy was great. She will be miss so much, My families thought and prayers are with her family. Thank You Sophia Petrillo for being you.

Posted at 3:26PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by joan

101. God Bless . Rest in peace

Posted at 3:28PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by KAREN

102. OMG Im so sad to hear this. I watched the show for years and still do when its on lifetime. My hubby would always joke that I had a sophia purse. I cant believe she died. I guess its for the best, its hard seeing your loved one live with the disease she had and living thru it yourself. God bless her family and her friends.

Posted at 7:34PM on Jul 29th 2008 by Tracy

103. I was so shocked to read that u have passed on, We (my family) send our condolences to your families, (both personal and tv) and will continue to honor you and your legacy by watching you on "Golden Girls"!! Your mind and heart is at peace and you can now sleep your beautiful blue eyes eternally with the Lord.

Rest In Peace, Estelle!!

Posted at 5:09PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by S.L.Wheeler

104. THANK YOU FOR BEING A FRIEND............you will sorely be missed by all who love you. RIP.

Posted at 3:32PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by HeyMa

105. Bless ur heart and may u fly with the angels.

Picture this: 2008, you are with the lord and celebrating your birthday with him.

Rest In Peace!!

Posted at 5:15PM on Jul 22nd 2008 by S.L.Wheeler

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