It’s been 16 years since Carol Burnett lost her youngest daughter, Carrie Hamilton, to lung and brain cancer at just 38 years old. In a heartfelt conversation with People, the legendary actress talks openly about the profound impact her daughter’s passing has had on her life. Even after all these years, Carol admits she still feels Carrie's presence every single day. “She never leaves me,” Carol shares candidly. “I just feel her.”
At 85 years old, Carol Burnett reflects on the bittersweet reality of losing a child. “You don’t get over it,” she says, her voice tinged with emotion. “But you learn to cope. What else can you do? When Carrie passed, I didn’t want to get out of bed for a long time. It felt like the world had stopped spinning, but eventually, I realized I had to keep going—for her sake and mine.” Her words are both raw and relatable, offering comfort to anyone who’s ever grappled with grief.
Remembering Carrie: A Life Well-Lived
Carrie was born in December 1963 to Carol and her second husband, Joe Hamilton. Alongside her sisters, Jody, 51, and Erin, 49, Carrie grew up in a loving household filled with laughter and creativity. Carol remembers her daughter as someone who had an innate gift for connecting with others. “She was so interested in people,” Carol says fondly. “She never met a stranger. That must be in our genes—you can truly brighten someone’s day with just a little kindness.”
Read also:Bob Saget And Kelly Rizzo Tie The Knot A New Chapter In Love
Carrie’s passion for storytelling extended beyond her interactions with people. As a writer, she had a knack for turning ordinary moments into extraordinary narratives. “One winter in New York, she would encounter homeless individuals asking for money,” Carol recalls. “Instead of giving them cash, she’d offer $10 if they’d share their stories. She’d collect those tales and turn them into something beautiful.” It’s this kind of generosity and curiosity that defined Carrie’s spirit.
Facing Darkness and Finding Strength
Of course, life wasn’t always easy for Carrie. Like many young adults, she faced her own struggles, including a battle with drug addiction during her teenage years. “She got sober when she was 17,” Carol explains. “I had to make the tough decision to send her to rehab. She hated me for it at the time, but I knew I had to love her enough to let her hate me. That’s what being a parent sometimes means.”
Thankfully, Carrie emerged from that dark period stronger than ever. “We started bonding again,” Carol says with a warm smile. “We even worked together on several projects, including writing a play. Those were some of the best times of our lives.”
Honoring Carrie’s Legacy
After Carrie’s passing, Carol found herself facing another challenge: finishing a play they had started together. Initially, the thought of continuing without her daughter seemed unbearable. But Carol soon realized she owed it to Carrie—and to herself—to see it through. “I prayed to her before getting on the plane,” Carol shares. “I said, ‘Carrie, I’ve got to do this alone, but don’t leave me. Give me a sign that you’re with me.’”
And signs came in the most unexpected ways. Upon arriving at her hotel, Carol discovered a bouquet of birds of paradise flowers, Carrie’s favorite. “She even had one tattooed on her shoulder,” Carol notes. Later, during dinner, the maître d’ presented her with a bottle of champagne labeled “Louise”—Carrie’s middle name. And on opening night, it rained, something Carol and Carrie always loved. “It was like Carrie was there with me the entire time,” Carol reflects. “She’ll always be with me.”
Read also:How Luke Bryan Opened Up About His Wife Being The Family Breadwinner
Carol Burnett’s story is one of love, loss, and resilience. Through her words, we’re reminded that even in our darkest moments, the bonds we share with those we love can light the way forward.
