Earlier this year, the world came together to celebrate Carol Burnett as she marked her 90th birthday on April 26. For those who missed it, NBC and Peacock aired a special two-hour television event, Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love, on her birthday. It was an unforgettable tribute and definitely worth watching!
In the lead-up to the special, Burnett stayed busy with a whirlwind of interviews, with media outlets eager to sit down with the comedy legend. PEOPLE magazine even featured her in their April issue, offering a warm and insightful interview filled with heartfelt moments, as only Carol can provide.
One of the most poignant moments in Burnett’s life was the passing of her daughter, Carrie Hamilton, at just 38 years old. Had she lived, Carrie would have turned 60 in December. Despite her brief life, Carrie left a lasting impact on those around her, especially her mother, who carries a part of her with her every day.
In an interview with PEOPLE, Burnett reflected on the special connection she shared with her daughter. “There is hardly a day or a moment when she isn’t with me,” Burnett shared, recalling their many shared experiences. “We accomplished so much together, laughed, and even cried.”
Burnett also remembered the last piece of advice Carrie gave her before she passed: “Every day I wake up and decide,” Carrie once told her. “Decide” was the key word that her daughter imparted to her—something Carol still holds onto today. She reminded herself every morning of how fragile life is, living each day with gratitude and a reminder to “be thankful for what you have today,” a message that resonates deeply with Burnett.
Carrie’s passing in January 2002 left a hole in Burnett’s heart, but they had shared one final project together before her death—Hollywood Arms. The play, based on Burnett’s 1986 memoir One More Time, explored her early life and rise to fame in Hollywood.
Carrie, who had struggled with addiction, passed away from lung and brain cancer just before the play came to life. Burnett spoke openly about her grief but also her commitment to bringing the project to the stage in her daughter’s memory. Her late husband, Joe Hamilton, encouraged her to finish the play, reminding her that she owed it to Carrie and the director, Hal Prince. Burnett honored her daughter’s legacy and completed the play.
Just months after Carrie’s death, Hollywood Arms had its world premiere on April 9, 2002, at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago. It later made its way to Broadway, where it ran for 76 performances and 28 previews at the Cort Theatre. It was a major success.
Burnett described the emotional moment she boarded a plane to Chicago for the premiere: “I said a little prayer to Carrie. I told her, ‘I’ll be doing this, but I don’t want to be by myself. Follow me. Be with me in some way. I need confirmation that you’ll be there in spirit, even if you aren’t physically here.’”
Her unwavering love for her daughter and the strength she drew from Carrie’s memory were pivotal in the success of this heartfelt project.
