Carrie shared her mother’s passion for acting. She was well-known for her role as Reggie Higgins in the TV series Fame and appeared in movies like Tokyo Pop and Shag. Together, Carrie and Carol co-wrote the play Hollywood Arms, which was inspired by Carol’s own childhood experiences. Their talents intertwined beautifully, and they even had the opportunity to appear together on an episode of Carol & Company.

Unfortunately, Carrie’s potential and talent were cut short by her battles with drug addiction, lung cancer, and brain cancer. Tragically, she passed away at the young age of 38. Carol holds precious memories of visiting her daughter every day in the hospital during those difficult times. Despite her challenges, Carrie’s resilience and positive outlook on life left a lasting impact on those around her.

When asked about her optimistic attitude, Carrie once said, “Every day I wake up and decide.” Her choice to embrace each day with determination and optimism deeply resonated with others.

Carole carries Carrie’s spirit within her and continues to find inspiration from the time they spent together. Each morning, she reminds herself of Carrie’s words: “Decide.” It serves as a powerful reminder to cherish every day and appreciate the present moment. Carole recognizes the fleeting nature of life and encourages others to do the same.

“It’s important to take it one day at a time,” Carole shares. “You never know what each day may bring. Be grateful for what you have today.” Her perspective serves as a guiding light for those facing life’s challenges.

Carole Burnett’s journey has been filled with both triumphs and losses. Through it all, her love for her daughter Carrie remains unwavering. As Carole approaches her 90th birthday, she serves as a testament to the enduring power of love and the unbreakable connection between a mother and daughter.

Carole Burnett, born on April 26, 1933, at Nix Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, had a remarkable upbringing. Her mother, Ina Louise (née Creighton), worked as a publicity writer for movie studios, while her father, Joseph Thomas Burnett, managed a movie theater.

After her parents’ divorce in the late 1930s, Carol moved with her grandmother to a modest one-room apartment near her mother, who had relocated to Hollywood. They lived in a humble boarding house, where Carol’s younger half-sister, Chrissie, also resided.

During her second-grade years, Carol came up with an imaginary twin sister named Karen, complete with Shirley Temple-like dimples. She even went to great lengths to fool the other boarders by switching clothes and sneaking in and out of the house. Eventually, Carol grew tired and Karen mysteriously disappeared.

At the age of nine, Carol discovered her talent for the “Tarzan yell.” Little did she know that this vocal exercise would become a fan favorite and a useful technique for projecting volume on stage.

Carol’s first experiences with singing were with her family. Her grandmother, a trained musician, would play the piano (despite not owning one), and her mother played the ukulele. Together, they would sing popular songs in harmony around the kitchen table. Additionally, Carol’s grandmother often took her and Chrissie to the movies, where they would sneak home with a few rolls of toilet paper. The movies Carol watched during her youth greatly influenced the comedic content she would later create on The Carol Burnett Show.

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