At 90 years old, Carol Burnett remains one of the most beloved comedy stars of all time. As she approaches this major milestone, she opens up about her incredible life and career.
But in a recent interview, Burnett bravely shares how the devastating loss of her daughter, Carrie Hamilton, still weighs heavily on her heart even after more than 20 years.
A Talented Legacy
Carrie, the oldest of Burnett’s three daughters with her former husband, Joe Hamilton, followed in her mother’s footsteps as an actress. She had notable roles in TV shows like Fame, The X-Files, and Murder, She Wrote, as well as the first national tour of the musical Rent. Despite their shared passion for the arts, their mother-daughter relationship faced challenges as Carrie battled with drug addiction during her teenage years. This caused immense heartbreak for Burnett.
“My daughter Carrie got into drugs,” Burnett shared with AARP in 2020. “In that situation, don’t be their best friend. 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 also blamed herself, wondering if there was something she could have done differently. “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 questioned in an interview with ABC News in 2002.
Fortunately, Carrie managed to get sober by the age of 18, and their bond grew stronger than ever. Burnett and her daughter became inseparable for the next two decades.
Tragedy Strikes
Carrie’s career thrived, and her relationship with her mother reached new heights… until tragedy struck. In 2001, Carrie was diagnosed with lung cancer, which later spread to her brain.
A Spirit That Can’t Be Dimmed
In the face of her illness, Carrie maintained a remarkable sense of humor. Burnett shared with ABC News, “Carrie had a spirit about her, all through her treatments.” She was deeply moved by her daughter’s mantra: “Every day I wake up and decide, today I’m going to love my life.” Carrie’s resilience continues to inspire Burnett to this day.
Reflecting on Carrie’s sickness, Burnett recalled a conversation they had during one of her hospital visits. A nurse remarked how Carrie always managed to lift everyone’s spirits. When asked about her unwavering cheerfulness, Carrie simply replied, “Every day I wake up and decide.”
“That’s the key word, decide,” Burnett emphasized. “I say that to myself every morning.”
Celebrating Life at 90
As Burnett celebrates her 90th birthday on April 26, she remains resilient despite the immeasurable loss she experienced 21 years ago. Her incredible talent has garnered her numerous lifetime achievement honors, including the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. In fact, the Golden Globes named their television lifetime achievement award after her, the “Carol Burnett Award.”
Looking back on her extraordinary journey, Burnett feels a mix of awe and gratitude. “I can’t wrap my head around it,” she admits. “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 impact of losing a child is indescribable, and Carol Burnett’s enduring love for her daughter Carrie is evident. Despite this heart-wrenching loss, the comedy legend remains a beacon of strength and inspiration. Let us celebrate Carol Burnett and wish her a joyous and meaningful 90th birthday!