‘Fly high, Bette!’: The world’s longest-serving flight attendant Bette Nash dies, age 88

The aviation world is mourning following the loss of Bette Nash, the world’s longest-serving flight attendant, who sadly passed away at the age of 88.

As reported by ABC News, Nash died on Friday, May 17 while in hospice care following a recent breast cancer diagnosis.

American Airlines, where Nash devoted close to seven decades of her life, announced her passing on social media.

The airline highlighted her nearly 70-year career, during which she warmly and diligently served countless passengers.

A spokesperson for American Airlines confirmed that Nash was still an active employee at the time of her death.

“Bette was a legend at American and throughout the industry, inspiring generations of flight attendants,” American wrote.

“Fly high, Bette. We’ll miss you.”

We mourn the passing of Bette Nash, who spent nearly seven decades warmly caring for our customers in the air. She started in 1957 and held the Guinness World Record for longest-serving flight attendant. Bette inspired generations of flight attendants. Fly high, Bette. pic.twitter.com/XFTXyvsqFI

— americanair (@AmericanAir) May 25, 2024

Born on December 31, 1935, Nash embarked on her career as a flight attendant at the age of 21.

In January 2022, Guinness World Records officially recognised Nash as the world’s longest-serving flight attendant, having surpassed the previous record a year earlier.

She continued to hold this esteemed title until her passing.

As news of her passing broke, people from around the world paid tribute to the long-serving flight attendant.

Many praised Nash for her unwavering dedication to her role and shared heartwarming stories of pleasant experiences they had with her. The anecdotes highlighted the positive impact she had on so many lives, leaving a legacy of kindness and professionalism.

Bless your soul always, what an amazing inspiration to all that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. Peace and Blessings to all of your family and loved ones always

— Dr Paul, OTR, OTD, PhD (@DrPaulOTD) May 27, 2024

Rest in peace Bette Nash .

— Barry Alderson Jackson (@aldersonjackson) May 25, 2024

Bette was a class act. Truly a loss for the skies. She was truly an AAngel 😇🪽

— Dr. Denouement (@DrSuzzle) May 26, 2024

Fly high Bette! It was a pleasure being your passenger. pic.twitter.com/9N63YPB5Ia

— Jon Kruse (@JonKruseYacht) May 25, 2024

She was flying as a passenger when she sat next to me, pinned her jacket to the bulkhead, gave me a three minute story of her life then said “So what’s your story?”
She was a dynamo.
Rest easy.

— mlwbd700 (@mlwbd700) May 26, 2024

She was an absolute delight in my earliest airline life working the USAir shuttle at LGA. Godspeed and eternal silvered wings Bette!

— Ryan Spellman (@JustJettingThru) May 25, 2024

-with AP.