Hey everyone guess what? Our Golden Girl Betty White is getting a seriously awesome honor. No we're not talking about another award although she deserved a million of them. We're talking about a brand new US postage stamp! Yep Betty's face is going to be on Forever Stamps and the story behind it is just as heartwarming and funny as she was.
Betty White Forever Stamp is Here: Unveiling the Design and Hidden Details You Might Miss
Starting March 27th 2025 you can snag your own Betty White Forever Stamp from the US Postal Service . The stamp was officially revealed at a special ceremony at the Los Angeles Zoo which is fitting since Betty was a huge animal lover and supporter of the zoo for ages.
So what does the stamp look like? It features a beautiful portrait of Betty with that signature twinkle in her eye and that unforgettable smile. The background is this lovely violet color with bubbly spots that are meant to show off her sparkling personality. She is wearing a blue polka-dot top and if you look closely you will see a tiny paw print earring peeking out from her blond curls! How cute is that?
The artist behind this amazing stamp is Dale Stephanos a super talented illustrator from Boston. He based the design on a photo of Betty taken back in 2010 by Kwaku Alston. Dale said he wanted Betty's huge personality to really come through and we think he totally nailed it.
Paw Prints and Purple Power: Decoding the Hidden Meanings in Betty White's Stamp Design
There are some really thoughtful little details in this stamp that you might not notice at first glance but they make it even more special. First off that paw print earring? That's a nod to Betty's lifelong dedication to animal welfare. Her estate actually asked for her animal advocacy to be included in the stamp design and Dale found a perfect subtle way to do it.
And the purple color? Dale chose purple because as he said "Purple is the color of protest." He explained that even though Betty was always so positive and never seemed angry her animal rights activism was a form of protest a way of standing up for those who can't speak for themselves. It's a really smart and meaningful choice.
Dale even mentioned that when he realized he could include a paw print he was inspired by his wife's animal-print dress. Turns out his wife is Maria Stephanos a news anchor who some of you might remember from NBC 10. Talk about a creative collaboration!
From Fan to Forever Stamp Artist: The Heartwarming Personal Story Behind the Design
For Dale Stephanos creating this Betty White stamp was more than just a job it was personal. He grew up watching Betty on TV with his family and she reminded him a lot of his own mom. He even found out his stamp design was approved just days before his mother passed away. He said "This is now a very very personal piece for me" and that his mom got to see her son do something really cool before she died. Talk about a touching story.
Dale remembers watching Betty White on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "The Golden Girls" and being amazed by her wit and warmth. He said "She reminded me of my mother. She had this real ability to say something and then jaws would drop and people would be like ‘Did she really just say that?'" He admired how she could get away with saying anything because she was an older lady with a sweet smile and her humor was never mean always good-natured even when she was roasting someone.
At the stamp ceremony in Los Angeles Dale said that while he was working on the stamp and "surrounding myself with Betty White videos and pictures I felt like I was working on a portrait of a family member." It really shows in the final design how much heart and care he put into it.
"Thank You for Being a Friend" and More: Celebrating Betty's Legacy at the Stamp Ceremony
The first-day-of-issue ceremony at the LA Zoo was a real celebration of Betty's life and legacy. Fans gathered to cheer as the stamp was revealed. Singer-songwriter Ellis Hall even performed a bit of "Thank You for Being a Friend" the iconic theme song from "The Golden Girls." How perfect is that?
Richard Lichtenstein from the LA Zoo Association spoke about Betty's long history with the zoo since it opened in 1966 and her incredible support for animals. He said "Animals were her kids and she loved them all — any shape size and kind." He also mentioned that Betty set up a private foundation before she passed away to continue funding zoo programs. Amber McReynolds from the USPS board of governors called Betty White "an American treasure" and she could not be more right.
People at the ceremony lined up to buy the stamps pins and notecards and get them stamped with a special first-day cancellation. It was a true tribute to a woman who touched so many lives.
Get Your Betty White Forever Stamp and Spread Some Joy!
So there you have it Betty White is officially a Forever Stamp! It's a beautiful and fitting way to honor this incredible woman her amazing career and her passion for animals. artist Dale Stephanos really poured his heart into this design and created something truly special with hidden details and a heartwarming backstory.
Make sure to grab your own Betty White Forever Stamps starting March 27th and put a little bit of Golden Girls sunshine on all your mail. As Dale said "This is the only stamp I’m going to use for the rest of my life. I’m going to be so obnoxious with this." And honestly who can blame him? It's a Betty White stamp after all!
Betty White Stamp: Key Facts and Features
- Honoree: Betty White (1922-2021) beloved actress comedian and animal advocate.
- Stamp Type: Forever Stamp (always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail one-ounce price).
- Release Date: March 27 2025.
- Design: Stylized portrait of Betty White based on a 2010 photo.
- Artist: Dale Stephanos illustrator from Foxborough Massachusetts.
- Hidden Detail 1: Paw print earring - a subtle tribute to her animal advocacy.
- Hidden Detail 2: Purple background - color of protest symbolizing her animal rights activism.
- Availability: Available in panes of 20 for $14.60 at USPS.com and post offices.
- Ceremony Location: Los Angeles Zoo a place Betty White supported for decades.