How Many Times Was Betty White Married?

Betty White’s First Marriage: Who Was Her Husband?

Betty White was first married to Dick Barker, a U.S. Army Air Corps pilot, on July 8, 1945, when she was 23 years old. The marriage was short-lived, however, and they divorced the following year. Barker’s career in the military took him to different parts of the country, which made it difficult for them to maintain a stable relationship. Despite the divorce, White and Barker remained friends until his death in 2006. In her memoir, “Here We Go Again: My Life in Television,” White described Barker as “the love of her life,” and expressed regret about their split.

The Short-Lived Marriage of Betty White and Her Second Husband

Betty White’s second marriage was to Lane Allen, a talent agent, in 1947. However, the marriage lasted only a few years and they divorced in 1949. In an interview with Larry King, White described the marriage as a “rebound” from her first marriage, and admitted that she had not taken the time to properly grieve the end of her first marriage before entering into a new one. She also acknowledged that she and Allen were simply not well-suited for each other. Despite the short duration of their marriage, White and Allen remained on friendly terms until his death in 2012.

Betty White’s Third Marriage: A Lasting Love

Betty White’s third and final marriage was to Allen Ludden, a television host and game show emcee, in 1963. The two had met in 1961 when White appeared as a celebrity contestant on Ludden’s game show, “Password.” They fell in love and were married two years later. White described Ludden as her “perfect match” and they were together until his death from stomach cancer in 1981. In an interview with Larry King, White described Ludden as “one of the sweetest people that ever lived” and said that she had never considered remarrying after his death. She also credited Ludden with helping her overcome her fear of public speaking and encouraging her to take on new challenges in her career.

The Reason Behind Betty White’s Decision to Not Remarry After Her Third Husband’s Death

After the death of her third husband, Allen Ludden, Betty White made the decision to not remarry. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, White explained that she had already been married to the “love of her life” and felt that she could not love anyone else in the same way. She also expressed her belief that it would be unfair to compare any future relationships to the one she had with Ludden. Additionally, White said that she had been fortunate to have a fulfilling career and wonderful friends, and did not feel the need for a romantic partner to complete her life. White has remained true to this decision and has not been in a serious relationship since Ludden’s death.

Betty White’s Views on Love and Marriage Over the Years

Throughout her long and successful career, Betty White has shared her views on love and marriage on many occasions. She has often spoken about the importance of communication and mutual respect in a relationship, as well as the need to have common interests and a shared sense of humor. White has also emphasized the importance of staying true to oneself and being willing to compromise in a relationship. She has advised young couples to take their time and really get to know each other before getting married, and to not rush into a commitment. Despite the end of her own marriages, White has remained optimistic about love and has often spoken about the joys of being in a committed relationship.