Bette Midler Auctions Off Iconic Costumes For Charity

Renowned entertainer Bette Midler has decided to auction off many of her most iconic costumes and personal property for charity.

During an appearance on Today, Midler, who first gained fame entertaining patrons in New York bath houses in the early 1970s, says she burst into tears when she saw the catalogue of her collection and that the past 40 years have gone by in "the blink of an eye." Among the items Midler will part with are costumes she wore while filming her Oscar-nominated performance in The Rose, a dress from her hit tearjerker Beaches, and a pair of bedazzled platform shoes that were given to her by Cher.

Midler also makes another crack about Lady Gaga, who recently donned a mermaid costume. "I do know that Gaga has tried the mermaid in a wheelchair routine -- not very successfully," Midler says. "I'm willing to give her the entire routine, including the music and outfits."

Proceeds from the November 12 auction of Midler's collection will go to the New York Restoration Fund. To learn more, visit Julien Auctions.

Watch Midler discuss her auction below.

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