The world took a pause earlier this year to celebrate a true comedy legend: Carol Burnett, who turned 90 on April 26. In her honor, NBC and Peacock aired a two-hour special titled Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love on her birthday, drawing in audiences with moments from her incredible career. The show was packed with laughter, memories, and tributes, making it an unforgettable watch.
As the event approached, Carol kept a busy schedule with interviews left and right, her calendar filled with requests from news outlets. Everyone wanted to hear from her! One of the highlights was her interview with PEOPLE magazine for their April issue, where she opened up about her life, career, and family. In typical Carol fashion, she shared stories with warmth, humor, and honesty, capturing the hearts of readers.
Among the many topics Carol touched on, one stood out: her late daughter, Carrie Hamilton. Carrie, one of Carol’s three children with her second husband Joe Hamilton, followed in her mother’s footsteps, pursuing a career in acting and singing. But Carrie’s journey was far from easy. She struggled with addiction but bravely battled her way through. Tragically, she passed away in 2002, at just 38, after a fight with lung and brain cancer.
“Carrie was a force,” Carol told PEOPLE. Reflecting on her daughter’s influence, she admitted that Carrie is never far from her thoughts. “There’s hardly a day or even a moment when she isn’t with me,” Carol said. She went on to share memories of their shared dreams, laughter, and even their tears. “Together, we did so much,” she added.
One memory Carol cherishes deeply is the last piece of advice Carrie gave her. During Carrie’s hospital stay, a nurse once said, “Carrie just lights up our day.” Carol, curious, asked Carrie how she managed to stay so positive. Carrie’s response was simple yet powerful: “Every day, I wake up and decide.” That word, “decide,” stuck with Carol. “Decide is the essential word,” she shared. Now, every morning, Carol wakes up, recalls that advice, and lives by it.
“We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, but today… we can decide to be grateful,” Carol explained. “So I remind myself of that every day—just to appreciate what I have right now.”
Just before her passing in 2002, Carrie and Carol had been working on a play together called Hollywood Arms, based on Carol’s memoir, One More Time. The play was a tribute to Carol’s early life, her struggles, and her rise in Hollywood. Carol was devastated that Carrie never got to see it performed on stage. Her husband encouraged her to finish the project as a tribute to Carrie. He said, “You have to do this, for Hal Prince, the director, and for Carrie.”
So, even in the midst of grief, Carol completed the play, and less than three months after losing her daughter, Hollywood Arms made its debut at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago on April 9, 2002. The play went on to Broadway, where it captivated audiences for 76 performances and 28 previews. It was a triumph, with fans and critics alike praising its heartfelt story.
Recalling the premiere, Carol shared a personal moment. “On the plane to Chicago, I said a little prayer to Carrie,” she recalled. “I told her, ‘I don’t want to do this alone. Be with me. Give me a sign that you’re here, even if I can’t see you.’”
In the end, Carol knew her daughter was with her in spirit, watching as their shared vision came to life.
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