Later this month, Carol Burnett is set to celebrate her 90th birthday with a special gathering. Her remarkable journey through nine decades has been filled with incredible professional accomplishments, but it has also been marked by profound personal challenges, most notably the heart-wrenching loss of her daughter, Carrie Hamilton, in 2002.
Carrie Hamilton, one of Burnett’s three daughters from her second marriage to Joe Hamilton, tragically passed away in 2002. The mother-daughter bond they shared was profound, as they not only laughed and cried together but also collaborated on various creative projects. Carrie, following in her mother’s footsteps, made a name for herself as an actress, portraying the lead character Reggie Higgins in the TV series “Fame” and gracing the silver screen in films such as “Tokyo Pop” and “Shag.”
Their artistic synergy extended to their joint efforts in projects like an episode of “Carol & Company” in 1990 and the stage adaptation of Burnett’s autobiography, “Hollywood Arms.” Tragically, in January of 2002, at the tender age of 38, Carrie Hamilton succumbed to lung and brain cancer after a courageous battle against both the disease and drug addiction.
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Recalling those difficult times, Burnett fondly remembers her daughter’s unwavering positivity during her illness. She vividly recounts a nurse’s remark during one of her hospital visits, where Carrie was described as a source of cheerfulness for the entire staff. When asked why she remained so upbeat, Carrie responded with a profound lesson: “Every day I wake up and decide.” Those words left a lasting impact on Burnett, who now echoes the sentiment in her daily life, emphasizing the power of choice.
With six Golden Globe awards to her name, Burnett understands the unpredictability of life and the importance of cherishing each moment. She advocates for embracing the present and being grateful for what one has today, as life can change in the blink of an eye. As she wisely puts it, “It’s taking life one day at a time.” Let us all share in these sentiments and celebrate Carol Burnett’s incredible journey as she reaches this momentous milestone in her life. Please share this heartfelt message with your loved ones.