Betty White, a cherished icon of television, is etching her legacy into the fabric of American culture with a newly unveiled stamp by the U.S. Postal Service. The first-day-of-issue ceremony took place at the Los Angeles Zoo, a venue close to White's heart, on Thursday, March 27.

A crowd of devoted fans gathered behind barricades, bursting into applause as a striking blue curtain fell, revealing the stamp that captures White's vivacious spirit. The design showcases a portrait of White adorned with a violet backdrop and accented with playful bubbles, reminiscent of her radiant personality. She is depicted wearing a blue polka-dot blouse, with a unique paw print earring peeking through her iconic blond curls.

Artist Dale Stephanos, who created the illustration based on a photograph taken by Kwaku Alston in 2010, expressed his deep affection for White during the creative process. “Working on this stamp felt like crafting a portrait of a family member,” Stephanos shared, aiming to bring White's larger-than-life persona to the forefront.

The celebration reached a joyful peak with a performance by singer-songwriter Ellis Hall, who serenaded the audience with a few lines from "Thank You for Being a Friend," the beloved theme song from *The Golden Girls*. The ceremony was sprinkled with delightful interruptions from the zoo's resident kookaburras and other birds, a fitting tribute to White’s lifelong passion for animal advocacy.

Richard Lichtenstein, a member of the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association, spoke of White's profound connection to the zoo, where she had been a champion for wildlife since its opening in 1966. "Animals were her kids, and she loved them all—any shape, size, and kind,” he remarked, noting her influence on exhibits that feature species like chimps, gorillas, and elephants. White established a private foundation prior to her passing in December 2021, which continues to support various zoo programs.

Amber McReynolds, chair of the USPS board of governors, echoed Lichtenstein's sentiments, stating, “This zoo, its inhabitants, and this community meant so much to Betty White just as she meant so much to all of us. Betty White was an American treasure.”

As fans lined up to purchase commemorative panes of 20 forever stamps, along with pins and notecards, the atmosphere was festive, enhanced by the tempting aroma of churros wafting from a nearby snack stand. The ceremony not only honored a beloved star but also celebrated her unwavering dedication to animals and the joy she brought to countless lives. Betty White may have passed on, but her legacy, much like this stamp, will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come.