Betty White, veteran actress who starred in The Golden Girls, dies shortly before 100th birthday

Veteran actress Betty White, best known for her role in The Golden Girls and whose career spanned eight decades, has died aged 99, according to US media.

Less than three weeks before her 100th birthday, the actress reportedly died at her home on Friday.

Her agent and close friend Jeff Witjas told People magazine: "Even though Betty was about to be 100, I thought she would live forever."

She had a career spanning 80 years and had Emmy-winning roles on television sitcoms The Golden Girls and The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

White was still starring in a TV sitcom, "Hot in Cleveland," at age 92 until it was cancelled in late 2014.

The actress said her longevity was a result of good health, good fortune and loving her work.