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We remember writer Joan Didion, known for her cool, unsentimental observations and distinctive writing. After the sudden death of her husband in 2003, she turned her gaze on her own grief in the memoir, The Year of Magical Thinking. Didion died last month. She spoke with Terry Gross in 1987 and 2005.

Also, we remember legendary TV actor Betty White. Her television career spanned the history of TV itself – and that's no exaggeration. She was best known for her roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls. She died Dec. 31, just a few weeks shy of her 100th birthday.