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Doris Day celebrated her recent 90th birthday by making her first public appearance in over 20 years.

The "Pillow Talk" star made the rare surprise appearance at a celebration thrown in her honor by 175 friends and fans in her current hometown, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif.

Doris Day on Turning 90: 'I've Had an Amazing Life'

Fans who traveled from around the globe without knowing Day would attend were stunned Friday as the Hollywood legend, dressed in a white ensemble, entered the room without any fanfare. The crowd quickly jumped to their feet and applauded Day as she blew kisses to them. Later, she briefly spoke with each of the attendees personally.

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Amid a towering cake and a spontaneous chorus of "Happy Birthday," guests enjoyed a retrospective of Day's 75-year career as well as a live tribute by singer Sue Raney of Day's biggest hits, featuring a group sing-along to "Que Sera Sera."

A live auction was also held to benefit the Doris Day Animal Foundation, which aids animal rescue organizations and animal clinics. The group's goal was to raise $90,000 in the 90 days leading to Day's 90th birthday.

"I just loved it," Day said of the event, according to the press release. "I am so very grateful to them all."

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Day recently reflected to Closer magazine about turning 90.

"All I ever wanted in my life was to get married, have kids, keep house and cook, and even though I did all these things, I still ended up in Hollywood," she said in the interview "It was a great trip. I've had an amazing life and wonderful times. And I'm happy!"

Aside from "little aches and pains," she said she has been "blessed with good health" and is still very active.

"I love to be outside, walking along the beach or working in my garden," she explained. "Those things are all quite enjoyable for me. I have everything I could ever want right here in Carmel!