BIGHEARTED Bette Midler granted a dying fan’s last wish – and sang her hit song “Wind Beneath My Wings” to the cancer-stricken 28-year-old days before she passed away.
Family members of the late Anna Greenberg have posted a video of Bette’s phone call on YouTube, where it’s touched tens of thousands of people.
“It was incredibly beautiful and moving,” a family friend told The ENQUIRER.
“Bette’s kind words, as well as her song, meant the world to Anna.”
IN OCTOBER 2011, Anna was diagnosed with a rare malignant tumor that strikes skeletal muscles.
Ironically, she was working as a community relations manager for the American Cancer Society and became a spokeswoman after her tragic diagnosis. She underwent numerous surgeries, as well as chemotherapy and radiation treatments. But the cancer spread.
Anna met Bette in December at the Los Angeles premiere of her movie “Parental Guidance.” And on May 25, Bette spoke by cell phone with Anna in her hospital room in Tucson, Ariz.
“You’re such an angel, you’re such a wonderful soul,” Bette told her.
“I’m so glad I had the chance to meet you and look you in the eye and tell you how much your support means to me…and what a great spirit you have.”
Anna, gasping for breath, thanked Bette and later told her: “You have always brought me up when I was down, with many of your different songs.”
When Bette, 67, asked if there was anything she could do for her, Anna requested that she sing “Wind Beneath My Wings,” the megahit song Bette first sang for her film “Beaches.”
Bette launched into the uplifting song but struggled with emotion as she reached the end, and broke down.
The eight-minute call ended with Bette saying: “All right my angel, big kiss.”
As her eyes filled with tears, Anna replied: “Received.”
Sadly, Anna lost her brave battle just three days later.
“I think Bette’s song brought peace to her,” said the source. “She could die happy after that.”