Honoring a legend: Cher pays tribute to ‘The Golden Girls,’ Betty White
ByNatalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
What You Need to Know: Betty White What You Need to Know: Betty White (NCD)
ByNatalie Dreier, Cox Media Group National Content Desk
A music and screen icon is honoring the memory of another icon. Cher is paying tribute to Betty White with a new version of “Thank You For Being a Friend.”
Cher shared her version of “The Golden Girls” theme song days before the tribute show “Celebrating Betty White: America’s Golden Girl” airs. In addition to the new version of the song, Cher wrote, “Every Friend is Golden.”
The clip was taped on Stage 5, the same location where “The Golden Girls” was filmed from 1985 to 1992, Entertainment Tonight reported.
Cher is among the celebrities that will remember White and her influence on entertainment, including Valerie Bertinelli, Goldie Hawn, Jay Leno, and President Joe Biden.
White died on Dec. 31, weeks before her 100th birthday. She had suffered a stroke six days before her death. Her death certificate listed a cerebrovascular accident as the cause of death.
The tribute show airs Monday night. Viewers will be able to stream it on Tuesday. The show will feature clips that “best capture White’s irreverent tone, spirit, and impeccable comedic timing that are a hallmark of her decades-long career,” Entertainment Weekly reported.
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Betty White through the years A headshot portrait of American actor Betty White wearing a veiled hat, circa 1955. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Betty White through the years BETTY WHITE -- Pictured: Actress Betty White in 1954 -- Photo by: Elmer Holloway/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank (NBC/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
Betty White through the years circa 1956: American actor Betty White sits in a canvas chair with her name written on the back, looking over her shoulder in a backyard garden. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Betty White through the years DATE WITH THE ANGELS - Portrait Shots - Aired on May 5, 1957. (Photo by Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images) BETTY WHITE (ABC Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty)
Betty White through the years DATE WITH THE ANGELS - "Betty White Generic" - Airdate September 17, 1957. (Photo by Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images) BETTY WHITE (ABC Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty)
Betty White through the years BETTY WHITE -- Pictured: Actress Betty White -- (Photo by: NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images) (NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via)
Betty White through the years DATE WITH THE ANGELS - "Gallery- Betty White, Bill Williams" - Airdate June 1, 1957. (Photo by Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images) BETTY WHITE (ABC Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty)
Betty White through the years DATE WITH THE ANGELS - Betty White & Bill Williams Sailing Date - Aired on September 6, 1957. (Photo by Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images) BETTY WHITE (ABC Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty)
Betty White through the years (Original Caption) Betty White, television star is shown in this photograph. (Bettmann/Bettmann Archive)
Betty White through the years DATE WITH THE ANGELS - Betty White & Bill Williams Sailing Date - Aired on September 6, 1957. (Photo by Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images) BETTY WHITE (ABC Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty)
Betty White through the years DATE WITH THE ANGELS - "Misc. Color" - Airdate September 22, 1957. (Photo by Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images) BETTY WHITE (ABC Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty)
Betty White through the years DATE WITH THE ANGELS - "Misc. Color" - Airdate September 22, 1957. (Photo by Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images) BETTY WHITE (ABC Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty)
Betty White through the years 75TH ANNUAL TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE -- Pictured: Host Betty White -- (Photo by: Herb Ball/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images) (NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via)
Betty White through the years Publicity still of American actress Betty White, who plays Sue Ann Nivens on 'The Mary Tyler Moore Show' (also known as 'Mary Tyler Moore'), 1975. She wears a burgandy velvet jacket over a pink turtleneck sweater, and poses with her chin in the palm of her left hand. (Photo by CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images) (CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images)
Betty White through the years BETTY WHITE -- Pictured: Actress Betty White -- Photo by: NBC/NBCU Photo Bank (NBC/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
Betty White through the years LOVE BOAT - "Two Grapes on the Vine/Aunt Sylvia/Deductible Divorce" which aired on October 17, 1981. (Photo by Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images) BETTY WHITE (ABC Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty)
Betty White through the years Betty White (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images) (Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty)
Betty White through the years THE GOLDEN GIRLS -- Season 1 -- Pictured: Betty White as Rose Nylund -- Photo by: Herb Ball/NBCU Photo Bank (NBC/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
Betty White through the years THE GOLDEN GIRLS -- Season 2 -- Pictured: (l-r) Betty White as Rose Nylund-- Photo by: Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank (NBC/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
Betty White through the years THE GOLDEN GIRLS -- Season 4 -- Pictured: Betty White as Rose Nylund -- Photo by: Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank (NBC/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
Betty White through the years THE GOLDEN GIRLS -- "Before and After" Episode 15 -- Pictured: Betty White as Rose Nylund (Photo by Paul Drinkwater/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images) (Paul Drinkwater/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
Betty White through the years THE 38TH ANNUAL PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS -- Pictured: Betty White winner of Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series NBC's "The Golden Girls" held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, CA on September 21, 1986 (Photo by NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images) (NBC/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
Betty White through the years Betty White during 2003 Emmy Creative Arts Awards - Arrivals at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by SGranitz/WireImage) (Steve Granitz/WireImage)
Betty White through the years Betty White during 2004 TV Land Awards airing March 17, 2004 - Red Carpet Arrivals at The Palladium in Hollywood, California, United States. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) (Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
Betty White through the years Betty White and Molly during Old Navy Nationwide Search for New Canine Mascot - April 29, 2006 at Franklin Canyon Park in Beverly Hills, California, United States. (Photo by E. Charbonneau/WireImage for Ketchum Entertainment Marketing) (E. Charbonneau/WireImage for Ketchum Entertainm)
Betty White through the years NEW YORK - JUNE 11: Actress Betty White visits fuse's "No. 1 Countdown" at fuse Studios June 11, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/WireImage) (Gary Gershoff/WireImage)
Betty White through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 06: Actress and Co-Chairman of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association Betty White hosts the media preview for the upcoming Beastly Ball fundraiser at the Los Angeles Zoo on June 6, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/WireImage) (Amanda Edwards/WireImage)
Betty White through the years Actress Betty White attends the media preview for Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association's Beastly Ball fundraiser at Los Angeles Zoo on June 11, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Vincent Sandoval/WireImage) (Vincent Sandoval/WireImage)
Betty White through the years LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 20: Actress Betty White attends The Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association's (GLAZA) 45th Annual Beastly Ball at the Los Angeles Zoo on June 20, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/WireImage) (Amanda Edwards/WireImage)
Betty White through the years TO TELL THE TRUTH - "Episode 102" - Comedian Iliza Shlesinger joins our celebrity panel to hilarious effect. In this episode we have one of the highest grossing Tupperware sales people who just happens to be a drag queen, shark attack survivors and somebody who jumps off buildings for a living. While on fire! "To Tell The Truth" Episode 102 Series Time-Period Premiere, Tuesday, June 14 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET). (Kelsey McNeal/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images)
BETTY WHITE (Kelsey McNeal /Walt Disney Television via Getty)
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1964 OCTOBER 1964: Entertainer Cher poses for a portrait session in October 1964. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) (Michael Ochs Archives)
1965 Portrait of Singer/Actress Cher photographed in 1965.; (Photo by King Collection/Photoshot/Getty Images) (Photoshot/Getty Images)
1966 CIRCA 1966: Entertainer Cher poses for a portrait in circa 1966. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) (Michael Ochs Archives)
1967 Head shot of actress-singer Cher in near-profile, wearing Sonny Bono's yellow aviator glasses; in the Orbit boutique, San Francisco. (Photo by Arnaud de Rosnay/Condé Nast via Getty Images) (Arnaud de Rosnay/Conde Nast via Getty Images)
The Jerry Lewis Show - Season 1 THE JERRY LEWIS SHOW -- Episode 101 -- Pictured: Musical guest Cher performs -- (Photo by: Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images) (NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via)
1968 LOS ANGELES - CIRCA 1968: Entertainer Cher poses for a portrait session at home in circa 1968 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) (Michael Ochs Archives)
1971 LOVE, AMERICAN STYLE - "Love and the Sack" - Airdate January 15, 1971. (Photo by Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images) CHER (ABC Photo Archives/Walt Disney Television via Getty)
1972 Promotional portrait of American singer and actress Cher (born Cherilyn Sarkisian LaPiere) in a semi-transparent outfit with a feathered headdress for the television variety show 'The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour,' 1972. (Photo by CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images) (CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images)
1972 CIRCA 1972: Entertainer Cher poses for a portrait for Kapp Records in circa 1972. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) (Michael Ochs Archives)
1972 AUGUST 1972: Entertainer Cher performs in August 1972. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) (Michael Ochs Archives)
1976 CIRCA 1976: Entertainer Cher poses for a portrait for Kapp Records in circa 1976. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) (Michael Ochs Archives)
1978 LOS ANGELES - MARCH 9: Singer and actress Cher poses for a Fashion Session in a Bob Mackie Creation on April 9, 1978 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry Langdon/Getty Images) (Harry Langdon/Getty Images)
1984 LOS ANGELES - JANUARY 1984: Singer and actress Cher poses for a fashion session in January 1984 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry Langdon/Getty Images) (Harry Langdon/Getty Images)
1986 American actor and singer Cher attends the Academy Awards ceremony, wearing a black headdress, at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion of the LA Music Center, Los Angeles, California, March 24, 1986. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
1987 Portrait of American singer and actress Cher as she sits on a very fuzzy couch dressed in a sweatshirt, jeans, and high heels, Los Angeles, California, 1987. (Photo by Anthony Barboza/Getty Images) (Anthony Barboza/Getty Images)
1988 NEW YORK - JANUARY 1988: Singer Cher poses for photos on January 1988 in New York City. Cher established herself as a legendary pop culture icon and one of the most popular female artists in music history. (Photo by Joe McNally/Getty Images) (Joe McNally/Getty Images)
1988 NEW YORK - JANUARY 1988: Singer Cher poses for photos on January 1988 in New York City. Cher established herself as a legendary pop culture icon and one of the most popular female artists in music history. (Photo by Joe McNally/Getty Images) (Joe McNally/Getty Images)
1988 Cher at the Century Paramount in Century City, California (Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images) (Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty)
2013 GOOD MORNING AMERICA - Cynthia McFadden interviews the legendary Cher, who produced a documentary about her mother Georgia Holt - who at age 86 has released her first album - on GOOD MORNING AMERICA, airing Friday, May 3 (7-9am, ET) on the Walt Disney Television via Getty Images Television Network. (Photo by Rick Rowell/Walt Disney Television via Getty Images) CHER (Rick Rowell/Walt Disney Television via Getty)
2013 NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 24: Actress and singer Cher enters the "Late Show With David Letterman" taping at the Ed Sullivan Theater on September 24, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Ray Tamarra/FilmMagic) (Ray Tamarra/FilmMagic)
2014 LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 07: Singer Cher performs during the "Dressed 2 Kill" tour at Staples Center on July 7, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Chelsea Lauren/WireImage) (Chelsea Lauren/WireImage)
2016 NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 02: Singer and Actress Cher speaks onstage at the Fast Company Innovation Festival 2016 - Cher & Doreen Lorenzo at Skirball Center, NYU on November 2, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Fast Company) (Kevin Mazur)
2017 HOLLYWOOD, CA - APRIL 12: Cher arrives to the Los Angeles premiere of 'The Promise' at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 12, 2017 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Tara Ziemba/Getty Images) (Tara Ziemba/Getty Images)
2017 LAS VEGAS, NV - MAY 21: Singer Cher performs onstage during the 2017 Billboard Music Awards at T-Mobile Arena on May 21, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by John Shearer/BBMA2017/Getty Images for dcp) (John Shearer/BBMA2017)
2018 LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 16: Cher attends the UK Premiere of "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again" at Eventim Apollo on July 16, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland/WireImage) (Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland/WireImage)
2018 LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 16: Cher attends the UK Premiere of "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again" at Eventim Apollo on July 16, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage) (Samir Hussein/WireImage)
2018 MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 03: Cher performs during her Here We Go Again Tour at Rod Laver Arena on October 3, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) (Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
2018 WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 2: Cher is pictured. Celebrities are pictured on the red carpet before the event. The 41st Annual Kennedy Center Honors was held on Sunday, December 2, 2018. The Lifetime Achievements of Cher, Philip Glass, Reba McEntire, and Wayne Shorter were celebrated. Hamilton Co-Creators Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, Andy Blankenbuehler, and Alex Lacamoire received a Special Kennedy Center Honors for Groundbreaking Work. (photo by Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post via Getty Images) (Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post via Getty Im)
2018 Cher, one of the recipients of the 41st Annual Kennedy Center Honors as she poses for a group photo following a dinner hosted by United States Deputy Secretary of State John J. Sullivan in their honor at the US Department of State in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, December 1, 2018. The 2018 honorees are: singer and actress Cher; composer and pianist Philip Glass; Country music entertainer Reba McEntire; and jazz saxophonist and composer Wayne Shorter. This year, the co-creators of Hamilton, writer and actor Lin-Manuel Miranda; director Thomas Kail; choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler; and music director Alex Lacamoire will receive a unique Kennedy Center Honors as trailblazing creators of a transformative work that defies category.
(Photo by Ron Sachs-Pool/Getty Images) (Ron Sachs/Getty Images)
Graham Norton Show - London Cher during filming for the Graham Norton Show at The London Studios, south London, to be aired on BBC One on Friday evening. (Photo by Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images) (Ian West - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images)
2018 NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 03: Cher poses at the opening night of the new musical "The Cher Show" on Broadway at The Neil Simon Theatre on December 3, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Glikas/Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic) (Bruce Glikas/Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic)
2018 NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 03: Cher (L) and Nia Vardalos arrive at "The Cher Show" Broadway Opening Night at Neil Simon Theatre on December 03, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Jenny Anderson/Getty Images for The Cher Show ) (Jenny Anderson/Getty Images for The Cher Show)
2018 NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 03: Cher poses onstage with the cast of "The Cher Show" at "The Cher Show" Broadway Opening Night at Neil Simon Theatre on December 03, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Jenny Anderson/Getty Images for The Cher Show ) (Jenny Anderson/Getty Images for The Cher Show)
2019 NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 04: Cher performs at Madison Square Garden on December 04, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images) (Taylor Hill/Getty Images)
2021 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 25: Cher attends The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Opening Gala at The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on September 25, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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