Betty White Turned 91 Today, Let's Celebrate the Nonagenarian by Talking About Her Rad Life

Not just anyone is celebrated with a birthday special featuring Bill “Hillary’s Husband” Clinton*, but that’s what happens when you’re Betty White.

I’d like to take a minute to talk about the Golden Girls, as it was one of the highlights of my formative years. This tells you two things: I did not have a great childhood and where the fuck were my parents that show is ALL about sex; and 2) I had excellent taste as a young kid.

White, the eldest cast member, is the only one of the four girls who is still with us. I don’t want this to be all about the GG, but have you watched it lately? The show holds up. It’s no wonder it was created by Susan Harris — the trailblazing writer/producer who wrote the controversial abortion episode of Maude — and featured four refreshingly independent and hilariously funny women. It paved the way for strong women in entertainment, including shows like Sex and the City** and Girls, and White’s adorably wacky Rose wasn’t my favorite — HELLO SASSY SOPHIA — but as a kid, I dreamt of visiting St. Olaf (and as an adult, I can’t say I’m still not interested).

More White fun facts: She’s a lifelong democrat, the winner of seven Emmys, and her hero is Charles Darwin.

Oh, and her birthday wish? That you help animals. COME ON, WHITE! You’re making us all look like amateur hour over here with your overall wonderfulness. Which, I guess we kinda are. Here’s to many more years with this pioneering icon!

*Also gonna be there? Bill Cosby, Blake Shelton, Sean Hayes, Whoopi Goldberg, Lily Tomlin, Sarah Silverman, Rico Rodriguez, Katie Couric, Zachary Levi, Larry King, Kate Flannery, Wendie Malick, Jane Leeves and Valerie Bertinelli. The special airs Tuesday, Feb 5 at 8 pm EST on NBC.
**Bea Arthur knew it.