Earlier this year, the world took a moment to honor the legendary Carol Burnett, who celebrated her 90th birthday on April 26. For her big day, NBC and Peacock put together a spectacular two-hour special called Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love, which aired on her birthday. It was a night full of laughter, love, and memories from Carol’s incredible life and career—a truly must-watch celebration!
As the event drew closer, Carol found herself busier than ever, jumping from one interview to the next. Everyone wanted to talk to her, and she didn’t disappoint! From one media outlet to the next, she shared stories from her career, her personal life, and the lessons she’s learned over the years.
PEOPLE magazine even featured her in their April issue, where she gave a touching interview that was filled with laughs and wisdom.
One of the most heartfelt moments in the interview was when Carol opened up about her late daughter, Carrie Hamilton. Carrie was one of Carol’s three children with her second husband, Joe Hamilton. Like her mother, Carrie pursued a career in acting and singing, making her own mark in the entertainment world.
But Carrie’s journey was not easy—she battled addiction before tragically passing away from lung and brain cancer in 2002 at just 38 years old.
If Carrie were still alive, she would have celebrated her 60th birthday in December. Although her life was short, Carrie left a powerful impression on those who knew her, especially on her mother, who keeps her memory close. “There’s almost never a day or even a moment when she isn’t with me,” Carol shared in her interview. She described Carrie as “a force,” a bright spirit who brought so much to the world.
One of the last lessons Carrie taught her mother has stayed with Carol to this day. During Carrie’s illness, Carol visited her daily in the hospital. She recalled that a nurse once told her, “Carrie just lifts everyone’s spirits.” Curious, Carol asked Carrie how she managed to stay so positive.
Carrie replied, “Every day, I wake up and decide.” Carol was struck by that word, “decide.” “Decide is the essential word,” Carol explained, holding onto that memory. Now, every morning, she reminds herself of Carrie’s advice, embracing each day with gratitude.
“We don’t know what tomorrow will bring,” Carol reflected. “A lot can happen in a day, so be thankful for what you have today.” She hopes this is something we can all practice more often—a reminder to live in the present and cherish what we have.
Before she passed away, Carrie worked with her mother on a play called Hollywood Arms. The play, based on Carol’s 1986 memoir One More Time, captured her early life, struggles, and journey to stardom. Carol was devastated that Carrie never got to see the play performed. Her husband encouraged her to finish it, reminding her of their commitment to director Hal Prince and to Carrie’s memory.
In the months following Carrie’s death, Carol found the strength to complete the project. On April 9, 2002, less than three months after Carrie’s passing, Hollywood Arms premiered at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. It later moved to Broadway, where it ran for 76 performances and 28 previews, receiving praise for its heartfelt storytelling.
Carol remembered a moment before the premiere when she felt the need to connect with Carrie. “We were on the plane, my husband and I, headed to Chicago, and I said a little prayer to Carrie,” Carol shared. “I told her, ‘I’ll be doing this, but I don’t want to be by myself. Follow me. Be with me in some way.’” In that moment, Carol felt the comfort of knowing her daughter’s spirit would be there.
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