Carol Burnett, a beloved comedy icon, is about to celebrate her 90th birthday this month. As she approaches this milestone, she has been reflecting on her extraordinary life and career. However, in a recent interview, Burnett shared a deeply personal story about a heartbreaking loss that remains with her every day, even over 20 years later.
Carol Burnett’s daughter Carrie
Carol Burnett had three daughters with her former husband, producer Joe Hamilton. The eldest was Carrie Hamilton, born in 1963. Following in her mother’s footsteps, Carrie pursued a career in acting. She starred in the TV series Fame, and played Maureen in the first national tour of the musical Rent. Her talent shone through in numerous TV appearances, including The X-Files, Murder, She Wrote, and thirtysomething.
Despite her promising career, Carrie faced significant challenges in her young life. As a teenager, she struggled with drug addiction, putting a strain on her relationship with her mother. “My daughter Carrie got into drugs. In that situation, don’t be their best friend,” Burnett told AARP in 2020. “When we got her into a third rehab, oh, she hated my guts! You have to love them enough to let them hate you.”
Burnett shared the extent of her worry and helplessness during that tumultuous period. “I thought … was there something I should have seen, something I should have known, something I would have spotted? You know, what did I miss? Was I not strong enough?” she reflected to ABC News in 2002.
Thankfully, Carrie overcame her addiction by the time she was 18. This period marked the beginning of a deep and affectionate bond between mother and daughter. Burnett fondly recalled to AARP how they enjoyed a “good 20 years” together where they were “joined at the hip.”
Carrie thrived both professionally and personally until a sudden tragedy struck in 2001. Carrie was diagnosed with lung cancer, which later metastasized to her brain.
Carrie’s cancer battle
In true Burnett spirit, Carrie faced her illness with strength and humor. “Carrie had a spirit about her, all through her treatments,” said Burnett to ABC News. Her mantra during this difficult time was particularly moving: “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.”
Sadly, Carrie passed away in 2002 at the age of 38, a loss that devastated Burnett. However, she eventually found the strength to continue. “You don’t get over it, but you cope,” she said in 2018. “What else can you do? When Carrie died, I didn’t want to get out of bed for a while, but I had a play to finish that we started that Hal Prince was going to direct. I owed it to Carrie, and I owed it to Hal.”
‘Still with me’ 21 years later
Now, as Burnett approaches her 90th birthday, she shared how Carrie’s memory continues to be a significant part of her life. “There’s not a day or almost a moment goes by that she’s not with me,” Burnett said. “We worked together, we laughed together, we cried together. She was a force.”
Burnett continues to draw inspiration from her daughter’s resilient spirit. “When she got sick, I remember she was in the hospital, and I would go to see her every day. One day, a nurse at the hospital said, ‘Carrie cheers us up.’ I asked Carrie why she was always cheerful, and her reply was, ‘Everyday I wake up and decide.’ That’s the key word, decide.” Burnett exercises this philosophy daily: “I say that to myself every morning.”
Carol Burnett at 90
Turning 90 on April 26, Burnett remains a symbol of grace and resilience. Despite the heartache of losing Carrie, she continues to thrive and maintain a positive outlook on life.
In recent years, her contributions to entertainment have been honored with numerous awards, including the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. In 2019, the Golden Globes named their television lifetime achievement award after her — the “Carol Burnett Award” — and she was its first recipient. Just last year, she made a remarkable guest appearance on Better Call Saul.
Reflecting on her age, Burnett said, “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.”
Coping with the loss of a child is an enduring journey, and it’s clear that Carrie’s death deeply affected Carol Burnett. However, it’s heartening to see that the legendary comedian continues to lead a full and admirable life. Happy 90th, Carol Burnett!
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