Betty White to Receive Posthumous Stamp from USPS Next Year

CNN
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Betty White will once again enrich the cultural landscape of the United States—not through the flickering images of television, but rather through the tangible medium of postage. The United States Postal Service has resolved to commemorate the esteemed television legend with the issuance of her dedicated stamp next year.

This announcement, made public on Friday, forms part of the postal service’s upcoming slate of stamps for 2025, which aims to celebrate a diverse array of themes, including nature, historical moments, and cultural icons such as Betty White herself.

“Our preview of the 2025 stamp program reflects our dedication to a rich variety of themes and artistic designs for both philatelists and avid stamp collectors,” remarked Lisa Bobb-Semple, the stamp services director, in a news release.

“This year, we are perpetuating several thriving series and commemorative milestones while concurrently unveiling novel stamp designs. Furthermore, we will refresh several of our mail-use stamps, which are printed as per demand,” Bobb-Semple elaborated.

The introduction of White’s stamp arrives nearly three years posthumously, following her passing in 2021 at the age of 99—just weeks shy of her centenary celebration. Widely recognized for her iconic performances in “The Golden Girls” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” White’s singular journey through the realms of entertainment is celebrated for its remarkable longevity and charm.

“An emblem of American television, Betty White exuded her distinctive wit and warmth, captivating audiences over a span of seven decades,” the news release articulated. “The celebrated comedic performer seamlessly garnered a younger audience during her 90s, simultaneously earning accolades as a passionate advocate for animal welfare.”

Her illustrious career traversed the domains of radio, television, and film, marked by her pioneering achievement as the first female producer of a sitcom, which she accomplished in the 1950s with “Life with Elizabeth.” White became a fixture on talk shows and game shows throughout the 1960s and beyond.

The zenith of her fame was solidified during the 1970s, notably through her portrayal of Sue Ann Nivens on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” and her endearing character Rose Nylund in “The Golden Girls.” White’s unparalleled acclaim persisted throughout her career until her demise.

The design of White’s stamp was entrusted to Greg Breeding, an art director for the postal service. The accompanying digital illustration, crafted by freelance artist Dale Stephanos, was inspired by a photograph taken by Kwaku Alston in 2010, as detailed in the release.

Expressing his enthusiasm on social media, Stephanos conveyed his excitement over the stamp’s debut, stating, “I would cherish the opportunity to send a letter back to my 18-year-old self adorned with this stamp, reassuring him that everything will be just fine.”

In addition to the accolade bestowed upon White, the legendary musician and composer Allen Toussaint will also receive recognition through a stamp in the postal service’s Black Heritage collection.

Further details regarding additional stamps will be revealed in the ensuing weeks and months, as per the postal service’s announcement. Among the anticipated designs are those depicting the Appalachian Trail, the United States flag, dahlias, winter scenes, and many more captivating subjects.