Declines Due To Work;Betty White Thankful For Marine Corps Ball Invite

Betty White may have been thankful to receive an invite from a Marine who asked her hand to a military affair, but the 89-year-old actress has had to decline.

"I am deeply flattered and truly appreciate the invitation, as everyone knows I love a man in uniform... but unfortunately I cannot accept, as I will be taping an episode of 'Hot In Cleveland," Betty said in a statement to Access Hollywood.As previously reported on AccessHollywood.com, Sgt. Ray Lewis, who has served in Afghanistan and Iraq, invited Betty via YouTube, following the lead set by fellow marines who were successful in inviting Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake.

Lewis promised to show the Hollywood legend "a good time" if she accepted his invite."She's funny, she's sweet, she's mature. She's the all-around perfect woman," Sgt. Lewis said of Betty. "I really think we'd have a good time. I'm fun, you know. ... I think I can make her laugh. I think she can make me laugh. I think we can laugh together.
Adding, "So, call me!"

On Monday, "Friends With Benefits" co-stars Mila and Justin appeared on NBC's "Today" show, where they confirmed they would both be attending separate upcoming Marine Corps Balls and joked about the excitement surrounding the events."Marines have a lot of balls," Kunis said.While Justin added, "We want to pay honor to our country and embrace their balls."