In a statement to Zap2it, Betty White, who co-starred with Rue McClanahan for seven seasons on "The Golden Girls," says of Rue's passing: "Rue was a close and dear friend. I treasured our relationship. It hurts more than I ever thought it would, if that's possible."

Rue McClanahan passed away in the early morning hours on Thursday, June 3 after suffering a massive stroke. She had previously suffered a minor stroke earlier this year after undergoing bypass surgery. She was 76.

On a press call with Zap2it in late April, Betty spoke of her good friend and former castmate. "Oh Ruesy. We talk about every, oh maybe three, four weeks. She lives in New York of course. And she had a bum go."

http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/goodbye-rue-mcclanahan-betty-white-now-remaining-golden/story?id=10816162
Goodbye, Rue McClanahan: The Life and Times of The 'Golden Girls'
'Blanche Devereaux' Actress Dies, Leaving Betty White as the Last 'Golden Girl' Standing

5 comments By LIZ HERON
June 3, 2010
PrintRSSFONT SIZE:SHARE:EmailTwitterFacebookMore
Rue McClanahan, the Emmy-winning actress who brought the sexually liberated Southern belle Blanche Devereaux to life on the hit TV series "The Golden Girls," died of a stroke today at age 76.


Rue McClanahan, the Emmy-winning actress who brought the sexually liberated Southern belle Blanche Devereaux to life on the hit TV series "The Golden Girls," died of a stroke today at 76.
(Mark Mainz/Getty Images)
McClanahan had a long and successful acting career, but was best known for playing Blanche.

"Golden Girls" aimed to show "that when people mature, they add layers," McClanahan told The New York Times in 1985. "They don't turn into other creatures. The truth is we all still have our child, our adolescent, and your young woman living in us."

McClanahan is the third "Golden Girl" to pass away in recent years, leaving Betty White, who played Rose Nylund, as the last remaining cast member of the iconic show, which ran on NBC from 1985 to 1992.

Rue McClanahan

Born in Healdton, Okla., McClanahan got her big break in 1972 in CBS's "Maude," starring future costar Bea Arthur. Her portrayal of Blanche Devereaux, an unapologetic man-eater with a charming Southern drawl on "Golden Girls," launched her to stardom.

Betty - here's from me to you...:bighug:!

Who would have thought that Betty at age 88 would be the last surviving Golden Girl?

Sad. :( I hope Betty holds on for years and makes it to 100. I can't imagine losing her one day, too.

This is so sad. I had an uncle who had bypass surgery back in 1999 and suffered a stroke about a month after the surgery. He never recovered and just continued to decline in health until he died of a third stroke about a year after the first stroke. I was afraid this might be Rue's fate too.

My heart is heavy over her passing, but I can't help but to celebrate the life of an incredibly talented actress who brought so much laughter and joy to millions of people. Rest comfortably in the arms of our Lord until we all meet on that side, Eddi Rue. :(

Isn't it a blessing that The TVLand Awards honored The Golden Girls in 2008. Betty, Bea, and Rue reunited one last time, for one last bow. If only Estelle could have been there too. :(

Betty White is a national treasure. She's been acting on TV since the 1950's. I think she might be the only one left from that era that's still actively acting today. It will be a sad day when Betty dies. My heart goes out to her in this trying time.

Betty White is a national treasure. She's been acting on TV since the 1950's. I think she might be the only one left from that era that's still actively acting today. It will be a sad day when Betty dies. My heart goes out to her in this trying time.

I agree.