Television icon Betty White died on New Year’s Eve, a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday on Jan. 17.
A little less than a year ago, LGBTQ activist Konrad Juengling started a petition asking Oak Park, Ill. – the beloved star’s hometown – to honor her by making her birthday Betty White Day.
Since the petition went up, 3,446 people have signed it, close to Juengling’s goal of 5,000 signatures
“Betty White is a national treasure,” said the petition. “She’s been an entertainer for over eight decades and is still going strong.”
Juengling told Audacy Friday that he considers White a comedic trailblazer and has enjoyed her work for most of his life. Though he hasn’t heard back from Oak Park Juengling hopes the municipality will consider honoring the comedian and actress.
“I kept the petition open because I hadn’t heard back from Oak Park,” he said. “It’s been open a little less than a year now. It’s now gaining traction again. It’s up above 3,400 signatures. I’m hoping Oak Park considers taking this before a vote.”
Though she was born in Oak Park, White's family moved to California when she was young.
White’s career includes roles on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and “The Golden Girls” as well as “Hot in Cleveland” and “Boston Legal” in addition to game shows and guest spots. She even became the oldest person to ever host “Saturday Night Live” in 2010.
While she maintained a successful career, White is also known for treating people fairly. In 1955, she refused to remove Black entertainer Arthur Duncan from her national T.V. program “The Betty White Show” despite pushback from Southern audiences.
“The first TV show I had ever been on, and I credit Betty White for really getting me started in show business, in television,” Duncan said of his experience on the show.
White was also an LGBTQ ally.
“I don’t care who anybody sleeps with,” she told Parade magazine more than a decade ago. “If a couple has been together all that time – and there are gay relationships that are more solid than some heterosexual ones – I think it’s fine if they want to get married. I don’t know how people can get so anti-something. Mind your own business, take care of your affairs, and don’t worry about other people so much.”
“She was entertaining in any role she appeared in, and was funny and quick-witted outside of those roles as well,” said Juengling. “I know she made a huge impact in her life, and she leaves behind a great legacy. If I could tell her one thing, it would be: thank you for being an icon.”
Audacy has reached out to the Oak Park Village Board for comment.
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