Earlier this year, people worldwide took a moment to honor Carol Burnett on a major milestone—her 90th birthday on April 26! NBC and Peacock aired a heartfelt, two-hour celebration, Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love, featuring unforgettable moments and stories from her life. It was a night filled with laughs, memories, and an outpouring of admiration from fans and friends alike.
Leading up to her special day, Carol was everywhere, doing one interview after another, and sharing her wisdom and humor with the world. One of her most memorable conversations was with PEOPLE magazine, where she opened up about her career, her personal life, and her beloved family.
Carol’s charm and openness shone through as she told her stories, making readers feel as if they were having a chat with an old friend.
Among the most touching moments, Carol reflected on her late daughter, Carrie Hamilton, who passed away in 2002 at just 38 years old after a fight with lung and brain cancer.
Carrie was one of Carol’s three children with her second husband, Joe Hamilton, and followed her mother’s footsteps into acting and music. Carrie’s journey was full of courage as she battled addiction and overcame personal struggles to pursue her passions.
Carol shared with PEOPLE that Carrie’s presence is still very much alive for her. “Not a day goes by when I don’t think of her,” Carol said, reflecting on the memories they created together. “We laughed, we cried, and we shared so many dreams.”
One memory that stands out to Carol is a lesson Carrie shared in her final days. When Carrie was hospitalized, a nurse once remarked, “Carrie just brightens our day.” Curious about her strength, Carol asked, “How do you stay so positive?” Carrie replied, “Every day, I wake up and decide.” That word, “decide,” became an anchor for Carol.
“That’s the key, to decide every day how we want to face life,” Carol explained.
Carol now wakes up each morning and reminds herself to be grateful for the present. “Life can change in a day, and we have no idea what’s coming. But we can choose to appreciate what we have right now,” she shared.
Just before Carrie’s passing, she and Carol were collaborating on a play called Hollywood Arms. The play, based on Carol’s memoir One More Time, tells the story of her challenging childhood and journey to Hollywood fame. Carrie never got to see their play on stage, which broke Carol’s heart.
It was her husband who encouraged her to finish it, reminding her of their commitment to the director, Hal Prince, and, of course, to Carrie’s memory.
With strength, Carol completed Hollywood Arms, and it opened on April 9, 2002, at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, only three months after Carrie’s passing. Audiences loved the play, and it moved on to Broadway, running for 76 performances and 28 previews.
On the way to the premiere, Carol felt Carrie’s presence deeply. “On the plane to Chicago, I prayed to Carrie,” she said. “I told her, ‘I need you here with me. Give me some kind of sign.’” Carol felt assured, knowing that somehow, Carrie was there in spirit, watching the culmination of their shared dream.
Carol Burnett’s legacy is full of laughter, resilience, and, above all, love for her family and the memories they shared.
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