Ludden died a few years before The Golden Girls premiered. Betty White used the death of Allen Ludden as inspiration while portraying Rose Nylund Ludden’s death was traumatic for White.

BRENTWOOD, LOS ANGELES -- The longtime Brentwood home of Betty White has been demolished. White bought the home with her husband, TV personality Allen Ludden, in 1968.

BRENTWOOD, LOS ANGELES -- The longtime Brentwood home of Betty White has been demolished. White bought the home with her husband, TV personality Allen Ludden, in 1968.

BRENTWOOD, LOS ANGELES -- The longtime Brentwood home of Betty White has been demolished. White bought the home with her husband, TV personality Allen Ludden, in 1968.