Tess Curtis White Was Betty White's Mother 'To the Very Last' – Look inside Her Life

Tess Curtis White may not have been a public figure, but her famous daughter, Betty White, ensured the world knew about her. The mother-and-daughter duo had a close relationship.

Tess Curtis White was the mother of actress Betty White, whom she welcomed with her beloved husband, Horace Logan White. The longtime couple became first-time parents months after tying the knot.

Their only daughter grew up to become one of Hollywood's formidable stars, as she was adored by many people worldwide for her witty sense of humor.

Who Was Tess Curtis White?

Betty's mother was born in Chicago, Illinois, and her father, Horace, was born in Michigan. Tess was a homemaker who worked with AWVS, The American Women's Voluntary Services. In addition, the doting mother of one drove a PX truck and attended the rec halls in the evening, where she and others enjoyed dancing and gaming sessions.

Tess and her husband welcomed their only child in January 1922, eleven months after they wed. Betty revealed this information in her 2010 memoir, "Here We Go Again: My Life in Television."

Although Tess and Horace never had more children, they shared their love with animals. Their daughter revealed that animals were a constant feature in her life because of the duo.

What Tess Curtis White's Daughter Has Said about Her

Tess was not famous, but her beloved daughter spoke highly of her during interviews. In December 2021, "The Golden Girls" alum divulged that her mother influenced her to live a long, happy and healthy life:

"I've always been a cockeyed optimist. I got it from my mom. I'm gonna stick with it."

Tess's daughter also enjoyed the food that she used to make for her while growing up. According to the comedian's longtime personal assistant, she loved having a peanut butter, bologna, and iceberg lettuce sandwich on white bread for lunch.

Betty had a successful Hollywood career that spanned seven decades. In a September 2020 interview, she revealed that her parents played integral roles in her success.

The eight-time Emmy Award winner was asked who assisted her in launching her acting career and where she learned the basics. "My parents and especially my mom were supportive right from the start," said Betty.

Tess Curtis White's Friendship with DeDe Ball

In addition to being influential in her daughter's career, Tess was also acquainted with some of the show business stars. She had developed a close friendship with DeDe Ball, famed actress Lucille Ball's mother.

Tess and DeDe empowered their daughters as their strengths came from them. They reportedly taught Betty and Lucille (regarded as Mama's girls) how to stand up for themselves.

Moreover, Tess was more than DeDe's friend. She also became a mother figure to her child Lucille when she sadly passed away in 1977. Betty once revealed that Lucille sent her a basket of violets every year on DeDe's birthday.

Tess also ensured she was there for her daughter in every way she could to support her. Betty, who appeared in "Hot in Cleaveland" alongside Valerie Bertinelli and Jennifer Love Hewitt, revealed that once her mother's health started to decline, she stopped coming to see her shows as part of an audience member.

Tess was looked after by either a nurse or a friend until her child returned home from work. They bonded with a catch-up session over a glass of wine and later played Trivial Pursuit until it was time for dinner. Tess always beat Betty at the game.

Aside from playing board games, the duo watched "The Golden Girls" on Saturday nights. Although Tess was no longer physically able, her daughter said her mind remained "razor sharp."

Even when she was taken to the hospital, she still played the game with Betty and defeated her. "[…] My mother–the same bright, funny, loving Tess I had always known – was with me to the very last," Betty revealed. Two days after being hospitalized, Tess died. The beloved TV star also passed on in December 2021.