Cher adds her own spin to classic Golden Girls theme song

American singer, actress and television personality Cher has produced a special spin on the Golden Girls famous theme song, in tribute to the late Betty White.

The ‘Thank You for Being a Friend’ cover comes as NBC celebrated the life and death of renowned American actress and comedian with the television special Celebrating Betty White: America’s Golden Girl where Cher performed the musical tribute to the late icon. White starred as the character ‘Rose Nyland’ for eight years in the popular Golden Girls series.

Cher, popularly referred to as ‘The Goddess of Pop’, took to Instagram on Monday to post a teaser of the performance, captioning the video, “Every friend is Golden” and encouraging followers to tune in to the upcoming episode.

 

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She followed the post up with a truly touching performance on the same stage where White had recorded The Golden Girls as Rose each week.

“She was a true American icon but what really stood out about her is that she was exactly who we all want in a friend–warm, caring, authentic and always fun,” Cher said before the performance.

 

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The song, ‘Thank you for Being a Friend’, was originally written and recorded by Andrew Gold in 1978 but became largely famous when sitcom TV series The Golden Girls used a cover of it by Cynthia Fee as their theme song between 1985-1992.

White passed away on December 31 last year, just weeks away from her 100th birthday. Fans, fellow actors and friends took to social media to post special tributes to the late icon, praising her for her intense spirit and kindness.

US President, Joe Biden took to Twitter to acknowledge White’s impact on American television and culture.

“Betty White brought a smile to the lips of generations of Americans. She’s a cultural icon who will be sorely missed. Jill and I are thinking of her family and all those who loved her this New Year’s Eve,” he wrote.

 

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The hour-long tribute special saw many notable celebrities honour the late White, including President Joe Biden, Jean Smart, Drew Barrymore, Tina Fey, Jimmy Fallon, Ellen DeGeneres and many more.