Carol Burnett, a beloved comedy star and soon-to-be 90-year-old, has had an incredible life and career. As she celebrates this major milestone, she takes a moment to open up about a devastating loss that still weighs heavily on her heart over 20 years later.
Carol Burnett’s Daughter Carrie: A Star in Her Own Right
Carol Burnett had three daughters with her former husband, producer Joe Hamilton. Her oldest daughter, Carrie Hamilton, was born in 1963. Following in her famous mother’s footsteps, Carrie pursued a career as an actress. She made her mark with roles in Fame, the first national tour of the musical Rent, and appearances in hit shows like The X-Files, Murder, She Wrote, and thirtysomething.
But their journey was not without its challenges. Carrie struggled with drug addiction during her teenage years, causing heartbreak for Burnett. Determined to provide the support her daughter needed, Burnett made the tough choice of being a parent rather than a best friend. It wasn’t an easy path, but one that ultimately led to Carrie’s recovery and a renewed bond between mother and daughter.
A Battle Against Cancer
As Carrie’s career flourished and her relationship with her mother grew stronger, tragedy struck. In 2001, Carrie was diagnosed with lung cancer that eventually spread to her brain. Like her mother, Carrie faced her battle with a unique spirit and a sense of humor that carried her through the darkest times.
Burnett recalls her daughter’s mantra during her treatments: “Every day I wake up and decide, today I’m going to love my life.” It captured Carrie’s indomitable spirit and served as a source of inspiration for those around her. Sadly, Carrie passed away in 2002 at the age of 38, leaving Burnett devastated.
A Continuing Presence
Even now, 21 years after her daughter’s passing, Carol Burnett carries Carrie in her heart every day. In a recent interview, she shared, “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 strength and resilience that Carrie demonstrated during her illness continue to inspire her mother.
As Carol Burnett approaches her 90th birthday, she remains a beacon of positivity and resilience. Despite the heartbreak she experienced, she continues to make her mark in the world of comedy. Honored with numerous lifetime achievement awards, she is known for her wit and charm. Burnett is grateful for her health and still feels like a young girl at heart.
Turning 90 is no small feat, especially after the loss of a child. Carol Burnett’s unshakeable spirit and enduring legacy remind us to appreciate every day and cherish our loved ones. Let us celebrate this legendary comedian’s upcoming 90th birthday and share her story of strength and resilience.
