At the age of 90, Carol Burnett is a comedy icon adored by millions. As she prepares to celebrate her 90th birthday this month, she reflects on the incredible moments of her life and career. However, there is one devastating loss that still weighs heavily on her heart even after 20 years.
The Daughter of a Star
Carol Burnett had three daughters with her former husband, producer Joe Hamilton. Her oldest daughter, Carrie Hamilton, was born in 1963. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Carrie pursued an acting career and achieved success with roles in TV shows like Fame, The X-Files, and thirtysomething, as well as in the musical Rent. However, their relationship faced challenges as Carrie battled with drug addiction as a teenager. Despite the heartbreak this caused Burnett, she realized that tough love was necessary to help her daughter overcome her struggles.
The Rollercoaster of Emotions
Carol Burnett couldn’t help but wonder if she somehow missed the signs that Carrie was struggling. She questioned herself, thinking, “Was there something I should have known? Was I not strong enough?” These reflections haunted her. However, through the ups and downs of motherhood, Burnett and her daughter managed to find their way back to each other.
After getting sober at the age of 18, Carrie and Carol forged an unbreakable bond. They experienced a wonderful 20 years of closeness and love like never before. But their happiness was shattered when Carrie was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2001, which eventually spread to her brain.
A Brave Battle with Cancer
During Carrie’s battle with cancer, her indomitable spirit shone through. Burnett recalls her daughter’s conviction, expressed with a touch of humor: “Every day I wake up and decide, today I’m going to love my life.” This mantra became their guiding light, providing strength and inspiration during the darkest times.
Sadly, Carrie passed away in 2002 at the age of 38. The loss of her beloved daughter left Burnett devastated. However, she found solace in the fact that she owed it to Carrie and her late friend Hal Prince to finish a play they had started together. Even in the depths of sorrow, Burnett found the strength to carry on.
Keeping the Spirit Alive
Even though 21 years have passed since Carrie’s death, Carol Burnett still feels her presence every day. In a recent interview, Burnett revealed, “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.” Carrie’s bravery and positivity remain a constant source of inspiration for her mother.
Burnett fondly remembers the time she spent with her daughter during her illness. Nurses at the hospital would remark how Carrie brightened their days. When Burnett asked her why she always seemed cheerful, Carrie replied, “Every day I wake up and decide.” This simple word, “decide,” has become Carol Burnett’s daily mantra, reminding her to choose happiness.
Carol Burnett may have faced unimaginable loss, but her spirit remains unyielding. As she reaches the milestone of turning 90, she has no plans of slowing down. Her vibrant career has rightfully earned her numerous accolades, including the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, the Carol Burnett Award for television lifetime achievement, and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. Most recently, she made a memorable guest appearance on Better Call Saul.
As she contemplates the reality of turning 90, Burnett shares, “I can’t wrap my head around it. 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.”
The loss of a child leaves an eternal void, and Carol Burnett continues to carry the memory of Carrie in her heart. Despite the pain, she perseveres, spreading laughter and joy to the world. Let us celebrate this extraordinary woman as she approaches her 90th birthday and honor the unbreakable bond between a mother and her late daughter.
