Here's how Betty White described the feeling of leaving Hot in Cleveland behind

Hot in Cleveland was TV Land's first original comedy, and what a start it was! With a cast including Betty White, Wendi Malick, Valerie Bertinelli, and a host of guest stars, the show became one of the hottest of its era

Betty White, who played Elka Ostrovsky, enjoyed being on the series, which aired after her other hit, The Golden Girls. She proved just how much of a girl’s girl she was, starring in multiple series that showcased the power of female friendship.

That's why, when Hot in Cleveland ended in 2015, leaving the series was difficult. In an interview with USA Today, White talked about the emotions behind leaving the show, her off-screen friendships, and more.

"Every time we'd make eye contact, you'd find somebody whose eyes were full," White said. "We were all so conscious that it was the last day, and trying so hard not to talk about it. And when we hugged at the end of the show, we just didn't want to let go."

Saying goodbye was hard, especially when your on-screen friends are also your friends in real life. In fact, White said they would have dinner together and were very close. While it wasn’t the same as working together day in and day out, the three vowed to see each other every three weeks.

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According to the interview, the series, which lasted six seasons, was not expected to take off the way it did. White said she was surprised Hot in Cleveland even lasted 128 episodes.

"They asked me to do the pilot. I said, 'I'll do it, but I can't commit if the show gets picked up.' White said. "And then we all did the pilot, and we all fell in love. I did the last show, too. And all the ones in between. It was a delightful experience."

The series follows three best friends from Los Angeles who are on their way to Paris when an emergency landing strands them in Cleveland. What starts as a detour quickly turns into something more, and they decide to stay.

At the time of the interview, White wasn't sure what was next for her, but she did have advice for new actors hoping to achieve the same level of success she had.

"Enjoy your work, but take it very seriously," White said. "Show up on time. Come in prepared. Learn your lines. Don't ever think you can wing it, because you really can't. It shows in your eyes. It gives you away if you haven't done your homework."