Carol Burnett, the beloved comedy star, is about to celebrate her 90th birthday. As she reflects on her remarkable life and career, she can’t help but open up about the heart-wrenching loss that still weighs heavily on her mind after more than two decades.
The Iconic Star’s Daughter
Carol Burnett and her former husband, producer Joe Hamilton, had three daughters together. The oldest, Carrie Hamilton, was born in 1963. Much like her famous mother, Carrie pursued a career in acting and made a name for herself. She appeared in shows like Fame, The X-Files, and Murder, She Wrote, as well as the first national tour of the musical Rent.
However, their relationship wasn’t always smooth sailing. Carrie battled drug addiction as a teenager, causing immense heartbreak for Burnett. But she never gave up on her daughter. In an interview with AARP, Burnett shared, “When we got her into a third rehab, oh, she hated my guts! You have to love them enough to let them hate you.”
A Devastating Loss
Carrie eventually overcame her addiction and at the age of 18, she got sober. The mother and daughter grew closer than ever, enjoying a good 20 years where they were inseparable. But tragedy struck when Carrie was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2001. The cancer later spread to her brain.
Carrie’s Admirable Battle
Carrie faced her illness with incredible humor and resilience. Burnett recalled, “In the hospital, she said, ‘Every day I wake up and decide, today I’m going to love my life.’ And that was her mantra.” Carrie’s determination and positive spirit brought joy not only to herself but also to those around her.
Unfortunately, Carrie passed away in 2002 at the age of 38. Burnett was devastated by the loss of her beloved daughter but found the strength to carry on. She had a play to finish that they had started, a project led by theater director Hal Prince. In Burnett’s words, “I owed it to Carrie, and I owed it to Hal.”
Remembering Carrie
Even 21 years later, Carrie remains an ever-present part of Burnett’s life. In a recent interview, Burnett admitted, “There’s not a day or almost a moment goes by that she’s not with me. We worked together, we laughed together, we cried together. She was a force.” The strong spirit and courage her daughter displayed during her illness continue to inspire her every day.
Burnett turns 90 on April 26 and despite the unimaginable loss she experienced, she remains resilient and optimistic. She has received numerous lifetime achievement honors, including the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. Last year, the Golden Globes even named their television lifetime achievement award after her, the “Carol Burnett Award.”
“I can’t wrap my head around it,” Burnett exclaimed about reaching 90 years old. “I still feel like I’m about 11, but I’m amazed. It sure went fast. But I’m glad because I’ve got all my parts — got my hips, I got my knees, and I’ve got my brain, so I’m happy about that.”
Losing a child is devastating, and Carol Burnett’s bond with her daughter Carrie remains unbreakable. As we celebrate the comedy legend’s upcoming 90th birthday, let us admire her strength and resilience. Please share this story to honor Carol Burnett and her enduring love for her daughter!
