Celebrity Death

Beloved actress, comedian and American icon Betty White has died, just weeks before a milestone birthday ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Betty passed away at her home just before 9:30 AM Friday.

A trailblazer and pioneer in media, Betty had the longest running career for any woman in TV prior to her death -- starring in multiple shows over the past 8 decades, starting way back in 1939.

Betty is perhaps most famous for her lead role as Rose Nylund in "The Golden Girls," which ran from 1985 to 1992. She'd been in TONS of other big hits throughout her life though.

Betty got her start in radio in the '40s, making appearances on "Blondie," "The Great Gildersleeve," and "This is Your FBI." She eventually got her own radio program. In 1949, she began working on a TV variety show with Al Jarvis called "Hollywood on Television" -- which she later co-hosted -- before breaking out into more TV roles.

Her breakout comedic role came in 1973 when she played Sue Ann Nivens on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" ... which ran until 1977, and then she got her starring role in "The Betty White Show."

With 115 acting credits to her name, Betty had roles in productions like "Life with Elizabeth," "Date with the Angels," "The Love Boat," "Mama's Family," "The Golden Palace," "Ladies Man," "That '70s Show," "Higglytown Heroes," "Boston Legal," "The Bold and the Beautiful," "Pound Puppies," "Hot in Cleveland," and many, many, many other shows and films.

Betty won 5 Primetime Emmy Awards -- including 2 for 'Mary Tyler Moore,' 1 for "Golden Girls" and 1 for her 1975 'SNL' appearance -- along with Screen Actors Guild Awards, American Comedy Awards and even a 2012 Grammy.

She's been nominated for several Golden Globes and has also been honored with lots of Lifetime Achievement Awards and celebrations through several organizations.

Betty had just made headlines this week when she told People, "I've heard Ryan [Reynolds] can't get over his thing for me" -- they co-starred in the 2009 movie, "The Proposal."

Ryan jokingly responded on Twitter ... "I'm absolutely sick of the media exploiting past relationships just to drive clicks."

The last time we got Betty on camera, she was teasing the launch of her Facebook page back in 2012.

As we've reported ... Betty had been extra cautious during the pandemic, mostly chilling at home and passing the time by reading, watching TV and doing crossword puzzles.

Betty was 99 and she would have celebrated her 100th birthday on January 17.

RIP

Detectives working to find out who killed Drakeo the Ruler are fighting an uphill battle, finding it hard to get anyone who may have info on the suspect to come forward and talk ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... investigators are mostly relying on surveillance and cellphone footage to crack the case. As we reported, he was stabbed in the neck backstage at the Once Upon A Time in L.A. festival on Dec. 18.

Our sources say detectives attempting to chat with witnesses to the scuffle ... but they're not talking, which makes it hard/next to impossible to nab the culprits.

Detectives are starting to go another route -- looking to see if the Slim 400 murder might be connected to Drakeo the Ruler's demise.

As we reported, there's a lot of tension between gangs in the City of Angels as of late, so cops are well aware of the chance for retaliation.

Nothing's been made public to connect the Drakeo and Slim murders -- but our sources say cops aren't ruling it out.

Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube and 50 Cent were among the acts set to perform at the festival where Drakeo was killed ... Snoop posted a heartfelt message, saying, "My prayers go out to everyone affected by the tragedy. Please take care, love one another and stay safe y'all."

He ended with, "IM PRAYING FOR PEACE IN HIP HOP."

Buckingham Palace nearly put the kibosh on one of Elton John's most legendary performances to honor his friend Princess Diana ... only allegedly giving him the go-ahead in hopes the display would help turn public opinion in favor of the Royal Family.

According to newly released documents, obtained by SkyNews, the Palace believed lyrics to Elton's "Candle In The Wind" were "too sentimental" to be played at Diana's service in 1997.

The report states it was only after a letter from the Dean of Westminster, who believed giving Elton the chance to sing would be "imaginative and generous" to the public (who was pissed at the Royal Family) that the song got the green-light.

Of course, at the time of her death, Diana had been divorced from Prince Charles for a year ... and many felt the Palace -- including the Queen -- hadn't done enough to mourn her.

Diana had bashed Charles for cheating, saying there were, "Three of us in this marriage," referring to Charles' mistress, Camilla Parker Bowles, who he went on to marry. Many thought the Royal Family's lack of empathy when she died was tied to her public bashing of the Prince.

Simon Cowell quietly tried to save the life of Il Divo singer Carlos Marin ... by offering him a private jet so he could get treatment for COVID.

Simon's not the person who made this public ... it was Carlos' wife, Geraldine Larrosa, who told a Spanish outlet, "Simon personally phoned the hospital and offered to help with anything."

Geraldine says Simon offered to fly Carlos to Spain for some sort of treatment ... treatment that presumably was not available at Manchester Royal Hospital where he was fighting for his life.

Carlos' case was so severe, he had to be intubated. He died on December 19 at the age of 53.

There were a lot of shocking and sad celebrity deaths in 2021 ... including tragic shootings, a drug overdose, stunning cancer revelations and, of course, COVID.

The rap world lost DMX, who died of an OD which triggered a heart attack, plus Young Dolph, Slim 400 and Drakeo the Ruler, who all died from violence.

Trailblazing designer Virgil Abloh succumbed after a battle with cancer ... ditto for Justin Michael Tyler, Dustin Diamond and Norm Macdonald, who never let the world know he was suffering.

The heartbreak continued with Tawny Kitaen, who left the world too soon as a result of heart disease ... and there's Halyna Hutchins, whose shooting death on a movie set likely could have been prevented.

It was a full year living in a pandemic ... and Colin Powell was among those who died from COVID-related complications.

The list of legends gone sadly went on ... Charlie Watts, Cloris Leachman, Stephen Sondheim, Vicente Fernández, Tommy Lasorda, Michael K. Williams, Hank Aaron and Biz Markie.

Warren Moon says of all the non-athletes in the sports world ... John Madden was by far the most legendary.

"I think he's probably the biggest sports icon of a non-athlete that there is," the Hall of Famer told TMZ Sports just one day after the famed football coach and broadcaster passed away.

"He's probably the biggest icon sports has had of a non-athlete."

Moon spent a lot of time with Madden over the years -- the two were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame together back in 2006 -- and he said the coach's passing devastated him.

Moon tells us he knew John was "in bad health" -- but he was shocked to hear the news of his death on Tuesday.

Moon, though, says John will never be forgotten ... telling us that while athletes like Michael Jordan, Jim Brown and Babe Ruth might be more iconic, no non-athlete was more memorable than Madden.

Avicii's final words before taking his own life have been revealed in a new book, and it underscores the tragedy.

As we reported ... the 28-year-old Swedish DJ committed suicide back in April 2018, using a broken glass bottle.

Diary entries he wrote just before his death are in the book, "Tim – The Official Biography of Avicii” and they are heartbreaking.

The grim entries were written while he was in the hospital and in rehab ... He wrote, "Those days in hospital were the most anxiety and stress-free days I can remember the past six years, those were my true vacations, as depressing as it might sound.”

The EDM singer opened up about his long battle with drug and alcohol abuse... "I had a hard time accepting never drinking again though strongly suggested from all doctors to wait at least a year before even having a beer.” That had shades of a dangerous turn in the rehab movement -- California rehab, which suggests addicts can drink moderately and smoke weed. Experts say it's a recipe for disaster.

He went on ... “Of course, I didn’t listen to the majority of the doctors, I listened to the couple who said it was OK if I was careful. I was ignorant and naive and touring the world, still on the never-ending tour ..."

The day before his suicide, Avici wrote, "The shedding of the soul is the last attachment before it restarts!"

John Madden's death rocked the entire sports world ... and athletes like LeBron James, Tom Brady and Alex Rodriguez all mourned the football icon's passing Tuesday.

LeBron said on his social media page following the sad news, "Rest in Paradise To the [GOAT] John Madden!!!! Your legacy will continue to live on!!!!!"

Added Brady on Instagram, "John called our first Super Bowl. He was always so good to me. RIP to a legend of our game."

A-Rod, meanwhile, said even though Madden was associated with the sport he did not play professionally, his passing still affected him greatly.

"An incredible coach, broadcaster and person," Rodriguez said of Madden. "A true hero and role model. He will be deeply missed."

Tons of other sports figures also wrote tribute messages to the former Oakland Raiders head coach -- with Vin Scully, Emmitt Smith, Troy Aikman, Robert Kraft and Julian Edelman also expressing their sadness over the loss.

NFL star Richard Sherman had one of the more memorable tributes to Madden following the news of his death ... calling it an honor to have been a cover athlete on his famous football game.

"Thank you for the years of joy and motivation!" Sherman said.

As we reported, Madden -- the face of the "Madden" video game franchise and a legendary NFL head coach and broadcaster -- passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday. He was 85 years old.

John Madden -- the NFL coaching and broadcasting legend who's also the namesake of the famed "Madden" video game franchise -- has died, the NFL announced.

He was 85 years old.

The league said he passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday morning.

"Nobody loved football more than Coach," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement Tuesday evening. "He was football. He was an incredible sounding board to me and so many others."

"There will never be another John Madden, and we will forever be indebted to him for all he did to make football and the NFL what it is today."

Madden is one of the most iconic figures in NFL history -- he dominated as a head coach of the Oakland Raiders, winning Super Bowl XI and finishing his career with a 103-32-7 record.

After his time as a head man on the sidelines ended, he went on to become one of the greatest color commentators ever -- famously teaming up with Pat Summerall to break down key NFL games for decades.

He was eventually inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006 -- and his popular terms "Boom!" and "Turducken" are still used around NFL broadcast booths to this day.

"I am not aware of anyone who has made a more meaningful impact on the National Football League than John Madden," Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement Tuesday. "And I know of no one who loved the game more."

Madden, though, is perhaps most known for his association with the insanely popular "Madden" football video game.

Casual fans, NFL players, and even coaches around the league play it religiously ... and the franchise -- which comes out with a new iteration yearly -- is reportedly worth around $4 billion.

Madden also gained fame in his career for his role as a pitchman -- he hawked products like Miller Lite and Tinactin, and appeared in notable commercials regularly.

Madden is survived by his wife Virginia, and his two sons, Joseph and Michael.

Harry Reid, the former Senate majority leader and the driving force behind the UFO movement in Congress over the years, is dead.

The famed Democratic Senator from Nevada died Tuesday in Henderson, NV ... according to Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak and current Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer.

The cause of death is unclear ... but Harry was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer back in 2018 and received intensive treatments.

Harry was a big deal in Nevada and Washington D.C. ... rising the political ranks after being born to a poor family in a tiny mining town in rural Nevada. He grew up as a boxer before getting into politics.

Reid served 34 years in Congress, starting as a Representative in 1983 before being elected to the Senate in 1986 and later becoming the chamber's Democratic leader following the 2004 election.

Schumer, who succeeded Reid as the Senate Democratic leader, is remembering Harry as "one of the most amazing individuals" and "tough-as-nails strong."

Being from Nevada, the home of the infamous Area 51, Harry became increasingly interested in UFOs ... and in 2007 he secured funding for a Pentagon program that investigated reports of UFOs and other related phenomena.

The UFO program, formerly known as the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program, no longer exists but the government is still studying UFOs ... and things wouldn't be where they were today without Harry.

Reid was 82.

Jean-Marc Vallee, the director of "Dallas Buyers Club," "Sharp Objects," and "Big Little Lies," has died ... and it was both sudden and unexpected.

Vallee passed near Quebec City, at his cabin.

His producing partner, Nathan Ross, said ... "Jean-Marc stood for creativity, authenticity and trying things differently. He was a true artist and a generous, loving guy. Everyone who worked with him couldn't help but see the talent and vision he possessed. He was a friend, creative partner and an older brother to me. The maestro will sorely be missed but it comforts knowing his beautiful style and impactful work he shared with the world will live on."

Vallee was acclaimed in his field, and the awards underscore his achievements. He received an Oscar nom for editing "Dallas Buyers Club," and snagged 2 Emmys for directing and producing "Big Little Lies." "Sharp Objects" was nominated for Emmys 8 times over.

Vallee's big break came with "C.R.A.Z.Y.," which he directed and wrote.

Vallee is survived by sons Alex and Emile.

He was 58. RIP

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a leader in the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, has died.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Tutu's death, praising him as "a patriot without equal," adding he was "A man of extraordinary intellect, integrity and invincibility against the forces of apartheid, he was also tender and vulnerable in his compassion for those who had suffered oppression, injustice and violence under apartheid, and oppressed and downtrodden people around the world."

Tutu was recognized worldwide for his efforts, winning a Nobel Peace Prize ... among many other honors.

Tutu's efforts cannot be overstated ... he was the major force behind the challenge to end racial segregation in South Africa. After Nelson Mandela was released from prison and became President of South Africa, he tapped Tutu for the position of chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation said of Tutu ... "He was larger than life, and for so many in South Africa and around the world his life has been a blessing. His contributions to struggles against injustice, locally and globally, are matched only by the depth of his thinking about the making of liberatory futures for human societies."

Tutu received praise from the U.S. for his efforts to end apartheid. Back in 2009, then-President Obama bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on Tutu.

Tutu's efforts were not without great risk. As you know, the South African government retaliated against many leaders in the movement, including Nelson Mandela ... throwing a number of them in prison and shutting down opposition groups.

The Archbishop of Cape Town announced the church will organize Tutu's funeral and memorial, saying ... "Desmond Tutu's legacy is moral strength, moral courage and clarity. He felt with the people. In public and alone, he cried because he felt people's pain. And he laughed -- no, not just laughed, he cackled with delight when he shared their joy."

Wanda Young -- one of the few remaining members of The Marvelettes -- has died.

The legendary singer's daughter, Meta Ventress, confirmed the news to the New York Times Saturday -- saying her mother had passed almost two weeks ago, on Dec. 15, in Garden City, MI as a result of complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Young came aboard the Marvelettes just in time for them to sign their first record deal with Motown ... and actually went on to be the Marveletttes' lead singer in their later years, after the departure of some members. Long story short, she was there from the beginning.

Of course, she contributed to their 1961 hit, "Pleases Mr. Postman" -- which became a no. 1 chart-topper for Berry Gordy big picture ... not to mention the first smash hit recorded by an all female group. In other words, WY and co. helped put Motown on the map.

'Please Mr. Postman' went on to be covered by countless bands and acts, most famously by The Beatles ... who made it a hit anew during their heyday in the '60s. BTW, the B-side to that record by the Marvelettes was 'So Long, Baby,' with Young on lead vocals.

While singing co-lead through their peak, Young helped crank out famous tunes like "Locking Up My Heart" and "Too Many Fish in the Sea" ... and, eventually, she led the way with hits like "I'll Keep Holding On" "Don't Mess with Bill," "The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game," "When You're Young and In Love" and "My Baby Must Be a Magician" ... among others.

Young finally left the Marvelettes in 1969, and tried her hand at a solo career with varying success through the early '70s. Eventually, she left music altogether ... and lived a relatively private life.

She's survived by her three children, several grandchildren and a great-grandchild, plus brothers and sisters. She was 78.

Bob Keselowski -- former ARCA Menards Series champion and father of Brad and Brian Keselowski -- has died after a battle with cancer, the family announced on Wednesday.

He was 70 years old.

Brad confirmed the news in an emotional post ... saying, "My dad will always be my hero. He was quiet and understated, but that didn’t change the impact he had on me or that I watched him have on everyone who knew him."

"I am forever grateful for what I learned from this man, and I will remember him every day."

Brad's brother, Brian, also expressed his sorrow ... saying, "Got the chance to go with my dad a couple times this year to watch him drive his car."

"We never thought we would be here still after 2 1/2 years of fighting this. Still losing him isn’t easy knowing it’s coming, but I’m so glad I took the opportunity when I had the chance to do it."

Bob and his brother, Ron, were introduced to racing as teens when they served as crew members for their father, John.

Bob went on to have a decorated career -- he won 24 races in the ARCA series, including his championship run in 1989 ... ranking him eighth on the all-time series wins list.

Keselowski's dominance in the sport spanned over a decade -- from 1985-1996 -- and he finished top three in the points for a remarkable 7 consecutive years.

By 1995, Bob had taken his talents to the Camping World Truck series, where he was a driver and co-owned the K Automotive team, winning his lone race in 1977 at Richmond.

NASCAR released a statement saying ... "Bob Keselowski was a true racer whose determination and love of the sport embodied the NASCAR and ARCA spirit."

"He worked tirelessly to build his family-owned team, doing whatever it took to compete. Our thoughts are with the Keselowski family during this difficult time."

Jason Hitch's death has shocked "90 Day Fiance" fans and his family members, who want something positive to come out of their loss ... and that's convincing doubters to wake up and get the COVID-19 jab.

Jason's sister, Shannon Speagle, tells TMZ ... she's beyond devastated following her brother's tragic death from the coronavirus. She says he wasn't vaccinated and wants Jason to be a cautionary tale for others.

The way she sees it, Jason dying should highlight the importance of getting vaccinated and taking every preventative measure you can against COVID, even if you think you're healthy.

Shannon, who's vaccinated, says she'd argue with Jason about getting the vaccine ... as he was an anti-vaxxer -- at least for COVID -- and sent her misinformation about the vaccine not being effective.

She says her brother -- who was on season 2 of '90 Day' and married to Cássia Tavares -- just figured he was a healthy 45-year-old man, and if he did get COVID, he was certain he'd be fine ... like the majority of people.

During their final convo, Shannon urged him to get vaccinated because he was planning to visit her and her children. She says Jason ultimately refused, and didn't visit them.

Here's the really sad part ... when Jason got COVID, Shannon says she didn't want to call him because she thought it'd come off as her rubbing it in his face. It wasn't until Jason was hospitalized that she understood the severity of his condition, and flew out to see him.

By the time she flew out to see him, she says he was sedated and on a ventilator, and it was the worst sight she had ever seen. She was by his bedside when he passed away last week.

Blac Youngsta is either clueless or he's gonna have a wave of hate coming his way from Young Dolph fans after posing next to a tomb with the late rapper's name on it in a new music video.

Youngsta -- who was a known enemy of Dolph -- released the video for his song "Im Assuming" Monday, filmed almost entirely in a cemetery. While it's very brief, around the 1-minute-mark of the video, you see the last name Thornton on the tomb he's rapping in front of ... Dolph's real name was Adolph Thornton Jr.

While the song's lyrics don't seem to directly talk about Dolph's death, they're certainly violent -- "I been a street n**** that murder s*** ... I'm on the verge, 'bout to purge with the young n*****. They stackin' bodies."

Blac Youngsta and Young Dolph had a very nasty history, back in 2017 BY turned himself in to cops investigating a Dolph shooting in Charlotte ... and he was also named a person of interest when Dolph was shot in L.A. later that year.

Charges against BY in the Charlotte case -- where more than 100 rounds were fired into an SUV Dolph was traveling in -- were dropped for lack of evidence.