Carol Burnett, the beloved entertainer and comedy icon, is about to turn 91 this month. As she approaches this important milestone, she has been taking the time to reflect on her extraordinary life and the work she has done. In a recent interview, Burnett opened up about a devastating loss that still weighs heavily on her mind, more than two decades later.
Carol Burnett had three daughters with her ex-husband, producer Joe Hamilton. Their eldest daughter, Carrie Hamilton, was born in 1963. Carrie followed in her famous mother’s footsteps and pursued a career in performing. She had a prominent role on the television series “Fame” and also appeared in various other shows and productions.
Carrie’s path, however, was not without obstacles. She struggled with drug addiction as a young person, which caused her and her family a great deal of pain. Burnett, in a 2020 interview with AARP, discussed her tough-love approach to parenting during difficult times, saying, “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 shared her inner sorrow and self-doubt regarding her daughter’s struggles. In a 2002 interview with ABC News, she expressed her thoughts and wondered if there was something she could have done differently. She questioned herself, asking if there was something she missed or if she wasn’t strong enough.
However, Burnett also revealed that Carrie achieved sobriety by the age of 18, and they formed an incredibly close friendship. They were truly joined at the hip for a good 20 years. Their bond was unbreakable, and Carrie’s career was flourishing.
Tragically, Carrie was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2001, and the disease later spread to her brain. Despite her suffering, Carrie had a robust sense of humor, which she relied on throughout her treatments. Burnett was tremendously moved by her daughter’s positive outlook, as Carrie would wake up every day and decide to love her life.
Carrie passed away in 2002 at the age of 38, leaving Burnett heartbroken. However, she found the strength to carry on, honoring Carrie’s memory by completing a play they had started together and owed it to Hal Prince to finish.
Even 21 years after Carrie’s passing, Burnett still holds her daughter close in her heart. Carrie’s spirit, strength, and love continue to inspire her every day. Burnett shared in a recent interview that there’s hardly a moment when Carrie is not with her. They worked, laughed, and cried together. Carrie was a force of nature.
Despite this tragic loss, Burnett continues to flourish. She recently celebrated her 91st birthday and received numerous lifetime achievement awards for her contributions to comedy and entertainment. Reflecting on her age, Burnett jokes that she still feels like she’s 11 but is amazed at how fast time has flown by. She is grateful to still have her health and a positive attitude towards life.
Losing a child is an unbearably difficult situation, one that no parent should have to endure. Burnett’s story reminds us of the strength and resilience that can be found even in the face of tragedy. As we celebrate Carol Burnett’s incredible life and career, let’s also remember to cherish our loved ones and make the most of every day.