Johnny Carson

Johnny Carson

Johnny Carson Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 23, 2005.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Johnny Carson, the "Tonight Show" TV host who served America a smooth nightcap of celebrity banter, droll comedy and heartland charm for 30 years, has died. He was 79. "Mr. Carson passed away peacefully early Sunday morning," his nephew, Jeff Sotzing, told The Associated Press. "He was surrounded by his family, whose loss will be immeasurable. There will be no memorial service."

Sotzing would not give further details, including the time of death or the location.

The boyish-looking Nebraska native with the disarming grin, who survived every attempt to topple him from his late-night talk show throne, was a star who managed never to distance himself from his audience.

His wealth, the adoration of his guests - particularly the many young comics whose careers he launched - the wry tales of multiple divorces: Carson's air of modesty made it all serve to enhance his bedtime intimacy with viewers.

"Heeeeere's Johnny!" was the booming announcement from sidekick Ed McMahon that ushered Carson out to the stage. Then the formula: the topical monologue, the guests, the broadly played skits such as "Carnac the Magnificent."

But America never tired of him; Carson went out on top when he retired in May 1992. In his final show, he told his audience: "And so it has come to this. I am one of the lucky people in the world. I found something that I always wanted to do and I have enjoyed every single minute of it."

His personal life could not match the perfection of his career. Carson was married four times, divorced three. In 1991, one of his three sons, 39-year-old Ricky, was killed in a car accident.

Nearly all of Carson's professional life was spent in television, from his postwar start at Nebraska stations in the late 1940s to his three decades with NBC's "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson."

Carson choose to let "Tonight" stand as his career zenith and his finale, withdrawing into a quiet retirement that suited his private nature and refusing involvement in other show business projects.

In 1993, he explained his absence from the limelight.

"I have an ego like anybody else," Carson told The Washington Post, "but I don't need to be stoked by going before the public all the time." He was open to finding the right follow-up to "Tonight," he told friends. But his longtime producer, Fred de Cordova, said Carson didn't feel pressured - he could look back on his TV success and say "I did it."

"And that makes sense. He is one of a kind, was one of a kind," de Cordova said in 1995. "I don't think there's any reason for him to try something different."

Carson spent his retirement years sailing, traveling and socializing with a few close friends including media mogul Barry Diller and NBC executive Bob Wright. He simply refused to be wooed back on stage.

"The reason I really don't go back or do interviews is because I just let the work speak for itself," he told Esquire magazine in 2002 in a rare interview.

The former talk show host did find an outlet for his creativity: He wrote short humor pieces for The New Yorker magazine, including "Recently Discovered Childhood Letters to Santa," which purported to give the youthful wish lists of William Buckley, Don Rickles and others.

Carson made his debut as "Tonight" host in October 1962. Audiences quickly grew fond of his boyish grin and easy wit. He even made headlines with such clever ploys as the 1969 on-show marriage of eccentric singer Tiny Tim to Miss Vicki, which won the show its biggest-ever ratings.

The wedding and other noteworthy moments from the show were collected into a yearly "Tonight" anniversary special.

In 1972, "Tonight" moved from New York to Burbank. Growing respect for Carson's consistency and staying power, along with four consecutive Emmy Awards, came his way in the late 1970s.

His quickness and his ability to handle an audience were impressive. When his jokes missed their target, the smooth Carson won over a groaning studio audience with a clever look or sly, self-deprecating remark.

Politics provided monologue fodder for him as he skewered lawmakers of every stripe, mirroring the mood of voters. His Watergate jabs at President Nixon were seen as cementing Nixon's fall from office in 1974.

He made presidential history again in July 1988 when he had then-Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton on his show a few days after Clinton came under widespread ridicule for a boring speech at the Democratic National Convention. Clinton traded quips with Carson and played "Summertime" on the saxophone. Four years later, Clinton won the presidency.

Carson dispatched would-be late-night competitors with aplomb. Competing networks tried a variety of formats and hosts but never managed to best "Tonight" and Carson.

There was the occasional battle with NBC: In 1967, for instance, Carson walked out for several weeks until the network managed to lure him back with a contract that reportedly gave him $1 million-plus yearly.

In 1980, after more walkout threats, the show was scaled back from 90 minutes to an hour. Carson also eased his schedule by cutting back on his work days; a number of substitute hosts filled in, including Joan Rivers, David Brenner, Jerry Lewis and Jay Leno, Carson's eventual successor.

Rivers was one of the countless comedians whose careers took off after they were on Carson's show. After she rocked the audience with her jokes in that 1965 appearance, he remarked, "God, you're funny. You're going to be a star."

"If Johnny hadn't made the choice to put me on his show, I might still be in Greenwich Village as the oldest living undiscovered female comic," she recalled in an Associated Press interview 20 years later. She tried her own talk show in 1986, quickly becoming one of the many challengers who could not budge Carson.

In the '80s, Carson was reportedly the highest-paid performer in television history with a $5 million "Tonight" show salary alone.

His Carson Productions created and sold pilots to NBC, including "TV's Bloopers and Practical Jokes." Carson himself made occasional cameo appearances on other TV series.

He also performed in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, N.J., and was host of the Academy Awards five times in the '70s and '80s.

Carson's graceful exit from "Tonight" did not avoid a messy, bitter tug-of-war between Leno and fellow comedian David Letterman. Leno took over as "Tonight" host on May 25, 1992, becoming the fourth man to hold the job after founding host Steve Allen, Paar and Carson.

Carson was born in Corning, Iowa, and raised in nearby Norfolk, Neb. He started his show business career at age 14 as the magician "The Great Carsoni."

After World War II service in the Navy, he took a series of jobs in local radio and TV in Nebraska before starting at KNXT-TV in Los Angeles in 1950.

There he started a sketch comedy show, "Carson's Cellar," which ran from 1951-53 and attracted attention from Hollywood. A staff writing job for "The Red Skelton Show" followed.

The program provided Carson with a lucky break: When Skelton was injured backstage, Carson took the comedian's place in front of the cameras.

Producers tried to find the right program for the up-and-coming comic, trying him out as host of the quiz show "Earn Your Vacation" (1954) and in the variety show "The Johnny Carson Show" (1955-56).

From 1957-62 he was host of the daytime game show "Who Do You Trust?" and, in 1958, was joined for the first time by McMahon, his durable "Tonight" buddy.

A few acting roles came Carson's way, including one on "Playhouse 90" in 1957, and he did a pilot in 1960 for a prime-time series, "Johnny Come Lately," that never made it onto a network schedule.

In 1958, Carson sat in for "Tonight Show" host Jack Paar. When Paar left the show four years later, Carson was NBC's choice as his replacement.

After his retirement, Carson took on the role of Malibu-based retiree with apparent ease. An avid tennis fan, he was still playing a vigorous game in his 70s.

He and his wife, Alexis, traveled frequently. The pair met on the Malibu beach in the early 1980s; he was 61 when they married in June 1987, she was in her 30s.

Carson's first wife was his childhood sweetheart, Jody, the mother of his three sons. They married in 1949 and split in 1963.

He married Joanne Copeland Carson in 1963; divorce came in 1972. His third marriage, to Joanna Holland Carson, took place in 1972. They separated in 1982 and reached a divorce settlement in 1985.

On the occasion of Carson's 70th birthday in 1995, former "Tonight" bandleader Doc Severinsen, who toured with musicians from the show, said he was constantly reminded of Carson's enduring popularity.

"Every place we go people ask `How is he? Where is he? What is he doing? Tell him how much we miss him.' It doesn't surprise me," Severinsen said.

The brisk sale of the video collection "Johnny Carson: His Favorite Moments From The Tonight Show," released in 1994, offered further proof of his appeal.

He won a Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, in 1992, with the first President Bush saying, "With decency and style he's made America laugh and think." In 1993, he was celebrated by the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors for career achievement.

Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press

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2029 Entries

GW

February 13, 2025

May God give you strength and comfort during this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss. Sending sincere condolences and prayers to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed and touched the hearts of so many.

R Grana

January 22, 2025

Just a good old fashion, honest decent type of comedy.

Bill Levison

November 12, 2024

Johnny Carson made me laugh and think. He was a wonderful person and is truly missed! Shalom Johnny!

Josef Agnich

December 23, 2023

Mary Agnich, Gus Comaites, Ron Baldilocks Jessee, Dorothy Buxton & I were thinking of Johnny today. Dearly missed.

Patrick Coogan

November 12, 2022

Mr. Carson: I just watch ANOTHER great show of yours last night and must have had a dozen laughs! Even when the jokes don't quite "hit the mark" you still know how to come back with a humerous response. Thank you for all that you did for our countries spirit!

Patrick Coogan-Universal Studios

Daniel M. Zaborowski

April 7, 2021

R.I.P. Mr. Johnny Carson
Americans still miss you all these years later. Johnny you were a Class act & even a classier American!

Charlotte Zimmerman

January 3, 2021

Refreshing fella who was one of US!!!! Great timing and expressions that said it all. He gave many young talented people a shot at future fame. We record and watch all his re-runs and still laugh as hard, if not harder, at the KING of comedy and inspiration to all!

Kim David

August 3, 2020

Still Missing Johnny Carson-He was such a legend.

Margaret Shelley

July 12, 2020

Miss you on tv,the world needs Johnny Carson more then ever now. But thank god for reruns.

Vinny Boombatz

June 18, 2020

Siss-Boom-Baaaaaaa

Ross Couples

May 18, 2020

https://youtu.be/keiuXB3dJ0E

https://youtu.be/L4GduUWv-mA

Johnny Carson...

King of Late Night

You were the best and always will be. I never missed a show from my childhood in the early 60s until your final goodbye.

I toured the NBC studios in Burbank in the 80s, but sadly The Tonight Show was on hiatus due to a writer's strike. Thankfully, I toured your set and was elated to stand next to your star mark on the floor where you delivered the thousands of hilarious monologues over the years.

You are very sorely missed Johnny. Keep 'em laughing in heaven and may God Bless you for eternity...

Spencer Cooper

April 12, 2020

As a child my parents would let me stay up and watch The Tonight show. The best of the best when it came to late night talk show.

Mary C

March 27, 2020

I have been listening to Johnny on Sirius Radio lately and reminiscing about watching the Tonight Show as I grew up. That program was on every night in my house because my parents loved it so much. The stars that he packed on as guests were monumental. His monologues were grand and my favorite was always Karnack. I am enjoying the throwback to great TV as I listen to the reruns on the radio. May Johnny be resting in peace.

Jeffery Abeare

December 5, 2019

I realize this comes from me far too late, but even that hasn't lessened my respect, admiration and a thankful gratitude to have had the legendary King Of Late night five nights a week in our home since I was about 14 years old, and was never disappointed on any of Mr. Carson's episodes. In the scheme of things, I will be grateful til the day I die that we shared a very small amount of time during the same time and space of
Mr. Johnny Carson...

Sharon Scott

November 13, 2019

Still saddened...it is2019

Thomas Young

October 13, 2019

As a child if I was "good" I would get to stay up late and watch "Carson" with my Gram. Later,almost every night I would watch him till, he retired. Johnny Carson was part of American Culture. Even today I watch the reruns and listen on Sirius Radio. There is no one who could ever replace Johnny Carson.

Ronald S. Smith

August 13, 2019

I was fortunate to play in my high school jazz band under the direction of Clem DeRosa in the 1960's on The Johnny Carson Show. Back stage before we went on Johnny came up and spoke to the rhythm section, I was the bass player. Johnny could not have been nicer. Johnny's brother prepared the band at an earlier run through. Years later I spoke of the show to the conductor Skitch Henderson. Those were wonderful years. To this day I miss Mr. Carson a true gentleman.

Steve Western

July 27, 2019

After a tough day, you sit down to catch the local 10 pm news likely half dozing, half being aware of the sports scores and weather forecast. Yet when the Tonight Show Orchestra began to play the shows theme song and the list of guests was read, you were wide awake, something good and fun was about to happen. Regardless of the talent he would interview and the stars who were going to preform, Johnny Carson made the show, he told the jokes, he ad libbed the funniest lines. All the stars were lined up in the heavens, the format, Ed, Doc and the orchestra and the one man who made it happen for 30 years. We miss you Johnny!

Suzanne Leach

January 20, 2019

You came into our homes every night and made us laugh. Your show was class in itself. We will always remember you. I have the Johnny Carson collection that I watch now and then. Brings back memories of all your guests.

Sharon

January 3, 2019

On December 31, 2018, I changed the TV channel from the banal "New Year's Eve" celebrations on the networks stations and found a re-run of The Tonight Show and Johnny Carson was toasting the New Year, along with Ed McMahon and Joan Rivers as the guest. All were wishing the New Year to be better...they were celebrating the New Year of 1976...the year I would graduate from high school. There was a reason Johnny Carson was called the King of Late Night. No one has ever come close to taking the title away from him--and no one ever will. He was simply the best.

Neal Barton

December 29, 2018

Miss you.
Nothing pales in comparison.

Anthony Spottsville

November 26, 2018

If I really want a good laugh, I watch one of your clips on Youtube, or I might catch the whole show on one of the rerun channels. I hoped until the day that I heard about your passing that you would return to t.v. Thanks for all of the laughs Johnny; you were most certainly the King of Late Night.
Anthony S. (Los Angeles)

Catherine Runnals

November 13, 2018

Watching replay as I am typing. Burt Reynolds guest. When Burt was on Johnny it was always full of laughs and whipped cream. Both gone now, and I miss them very much. Late night will never be the same.
I also loved Johnny with animals and how he and Ed would have a ball handling the animals, especially the baby chimps. Rest In Peace Johnny and say hello to Burt. I can hear you both kidding each other right now.

Paul Harvey

October 27, 2018

Miss you Johnny late night tv has never ever been the same we sure miss all the laughs end your quick wit!

Denise C.

September 17, 2018

In your memory...thanks for laughs...

Denise C.

September 17, 2018

I hardly missed a show when you were on late-at night... I was so sad when you died and now I can watch you on reruns every night at 11:30... there will never be another Johnny... you were unique in your own way... thanks for the laughs my friend... you are so very much missed.. I cried as I watched you on your last night.. I'm glad you were able to enjoy being away from the lime light...

Stella Owen

August 19, 2018

Johnny you are alive and well in my household. We watch all your reruns every night. We record them and watch them every night at 10:00. You are deeply missed. I hope I will meet you in heaven because I never got to on this earth.

Lori Kaiser

May 5, 2018

Johnny Carson you truly paved the way for late night TV. There will never be another like you. RIP Mr. Carson and thank you for all the laughs.

john gagne

March 25, 2018

john gagne / bourne i miss johnny very much

susan tilli

February 26, 2018

I was in college when you were on in the 60's and never had time to watch. Now retired,I appreciate your show so much.You will never be forgotten.No one has ever come close to your wit and comedy.You seem like the ideal husband. Those women didn't know a good thing.God Bless You.

Kathleen Hitzeman

February 6, 2018

I just saw you can still add your comments after all these years and people are which is a testament to how much he was loved.
He came into our homes every night and made us laugh.
He was classy and kind to everybody something lacking today.
I don't think anybody will ever be able to replace him....
I have been watching all the reruns and they blow all the other new tv programs out of the water!!
I wonder if he knew what he meant to so many of us????
I hope so

Darlene Upson

December 30, 2017

I remember your show being on when I was a kid and I'd never watched a full-length episode of Tonight. I sure missed out. Now, Thank God for syndication, I can watch you every night before I go to bed and I just love you. You are or were very much in tune with your audience. I like that you had everyday regular people on there. Blessings abound to your family, I know they must miss your kindness and warmth.

Norma Wilcox

December 29, 2017

No one could take your place. You were the total package just being you. The world loved you. I watch your re-runs every night at 10 o'clock. Thank you so much,
Norma Wilcox, (Loganville, GA)

November 8, 2017

Johnny Carson was the best,he was the total package when it came to comedy.Nobody can or ever will take his place.I know I am not the only person that loved and miss him.I watch the reruns almost every night. They bring back the good old days.RIP johnny Clyde Lanier (Trinity NC)

Cindy Kairewich

October 10, 2017

We love and miss you!!! Always watched your show along with my mom growing up. You always made us laugh. Thank you for all those great memories. Still watch your reruns today every night!! RIP.

Dori Thomason

September 29, 2017

Wish I could of been there. We miss you Johnny.

Becky Drake

September 5, 2017

Still missed after all these years! Love you Mr. Carson.

Tanny Kapoor

August 16, 2017

Thanks for loads of laughs Mr.Carson, RIP

Joan Evans

July 12, 2017

He was the very best entertainer on television for many years. He was smart, good looking, intelligent, funny, and a gentleman. His show was never about him, always about his guests and his audience. He was so professional. I always went to work tired each morning because I had to watch his show every night. I really miss him.

Beth Heuser

July 6, 2017

It's 2017 and I have the pleasure watching The johnny Carson reruns every night!

deano

June 14, 2017

brilliant and quick witted.

Brendan E.

April 17, 2017

I was born in 1976, so I remember his show on tv for some years before he retired in 1992. I try to find the dvd episodes that are in their fullest form even with commercials. It's cool to see stuff from before I ever existed, and to get glimpses of how American culture was back then. Surprisingly, I recognize a lot of his guests in the episodes I've seen, even from before I was born. :) I find myself laughing and smiling at things that happen in these episodes too. Such an enduring legacy. I hope to see more episodes when they come available. Thank you for everything Johnny.

Parker West

April 5, 2017

Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show had a gift of making people laugh while causing them to feel they were part of the "pack". No one missed Monday Night Football and nobody missed the Tonight Show when Johnny was on. He was able to bring out an intimacy with his guests that no one else could copy. I still miss him many years after his retirement.

Paul Kmetko

March 22, 2017

Just watching his shows you forget about everything he was the best. An nobody will ever come close to him i think they like him in HEAVEN an he makes them laugh.

R Repka

March 3, 2017

Class Just plain Class!!! which is NOT seen today ,,,

STEVE YOUNG

January 24, 2017

JOHNNY CARSON WAS THE NICEST AND KINDEST HIGH CLASS GENTLEMAN ON TV THAT YOU WILL EVER SEE. HE HIS LOVING CARING AND A VERY KIND PERSON. I ALWAYS WATCHED THE TONIGHT SHOW EVERY NIGHT WITH JOHNNY CARSON. JOHNNY CARSON WILL ALWAYS BE MY LIFETIME FAVORITE. I AM A FOREVER LIFETIME JOHNNY CARSON FAN ALWAYS. HIS WARM SMILE HIS LOVING HEART. JOHNNY ALWAYS PUT A SMILE ON MY FACE. JOHNNY CARSON IS MY MOST FAVORITE OF ALL TIME. JOHNNY CARSON IS A FUNNY HIGH CLASS GENTLEMAN. HIS KINDNESS HIS GOODNESS WILL ALWAYS SHINE IN MY HEART. JOHNNY CARSON IS A REAL TRUE REAL SPECIAL ONE OF A KIND PERSON. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE BEST OF TIMES THE GOOD TIMES AND HAPPIEST TIMES OF MY LIFE WATCHING JOHNNY CARSON ON THE TONIGHT SHOW. FROM YOUR FOREVER FAN AND A FOREVER FRIEND. LOVE STEVE YOUNG AND PATTY YOUNG BALTIMORE MARYLAND. LIFETIME JOHNNY CARSON FANS

Georgina Miller

January 22, 2017

I'm watching you again after all these years. I watched you with my Mom and Dad and sister. Recently my 34 year old son said how he used to love watching you with me when he was 7. Thank goodness for antennae tv, we can laugh and enjoy you again after all these years. You were and always will be the best.

Deborah Woods

January 21, 2017

I grew up listening to my father laughing from his bedroom as he watched The Tonight Show. As I became older, I watched along with my dad. Some of my fondest memories of my father are those times together. I could never thank you enough for the many laughs and great entertainment you provided for so many years. There has never been another like you and never will. You were truly one of a kind. You are missed and still so very loved.

Steve George

January 2, 2017

Johnny you put me to bed a many of nights. Got me in trouble for laughing when I was supposed to be sleeping. You was and still are my favorite entertainer. God bless Johnny carson.

Rosemary Leclair

December 2, 2016

My Dad and I watched Johnny for years . He was awesome.

Lynne Jones

October 5, 2016

Johnny, Miss you sooo much. You were the best part of staying up late with my brothers. As children we would secretly watch and laugh ourselves to sleep.

Douglas Miller

September 29, 2016

Thank you for being there when I was young, when I was a young man and later I viewed you with family. You filled a hole with your wit and humor that helped me to cope. I stayed up every night you were on when growing up. There was something real, something of kindness and humor that touched me during times when I had lost my way as a young kid, young adult. I will always carry you in my heart. You are remembered and truly missed.
Douglas Miller

Suzanne Leach

September 17, 2016

Sept 17, 2016

You were the best entertainer , TV host there ever was. I watched you faithfully every night since I was a teenager.
My kids bought me the Johnny Carson Collection. I watch it over and over.
May you rest in peace forever.

lucille newton

September 8, 2016

Rip,

Sherry Ritter

August 28, 2016

Recently the old Carson shows returned in my area. Seeing Joan Rivers took me back to staying up late as a child and watching this grown up show. A very special time for me with memories

August 21, 2016

Thank you Mr. Carson.

Kenneth Gonsioroski

August 12, 2016

Johnny Carson the best thing ever since television show you are the Best We will miss you Kenneth Gonsioroski

Sandi Hafterson-Hamilton

July 12, 2016

Watching the Tonight Show between our toes five nights a week is how i remember it. Forever loved forever missed. R.I.P.

Tim Cote

July 2, 2016

He was my favorite and will always be missed..RIP Johnny

Valenda Newell

July 1, 2016

Johnny, LOVED by millions...TRAILBLAZER of the late night talk shows.....No one had style and charm at making the guests feel at ease and welcomed like MR. CARSON. THE BEST OF THE BEST....THANKS FOR MEMORIES

Mzrgie Apadula6

June 12, 2016

Love you Johnny. Still watch your shows. You are snd always will be the best.

Ann Prior

May 24, 2016

Late night fun shows have returned with Johnny Carson re-runs. I had missed him so-o-o much. He was positively THE GREATEST!
I'm in heaven to see his shows again, and he's in heaven RIP Johnny!
Ann Prior-LaPuente, California

Gregory Barry

May 23, 2016

My graceful and beautiful Mother Virginia was most likely your most loving fan. I will always remember even when hosting a cocktail or dinner party her sneaking a peek of Johnny on the television in the den. Thank you for making memorable evenings happen.

Karen&Jim Kinder

May 12, 2016

Johnny Carson will Remain in Our Hearts,And Thoughts always.I grew Up watching Johnny Carson with My Mother,He Kept us Smiling .God Be with His Precious Family Always...Sadly Missed,Always Loved and Never Forgotten..Sincerely,Karen&Jim Kinder

Karen Poole

May 11, 2016

Thanks for the memories and the many, many laughs. You were the best and you are greatly missed! God Bless!!!!

Jan Garry

April 18, 2016

May you RIP Johnny. You were and always will be the king of late night tv. You are sadly missed by many and very much loved. You took a piece of our hearts when you left. Fly free and thank you for the good times.

vickie hallett

March 7, 2016

Loved him so much and miss him dearly one could ever take his place

Jay Reddick

February 11, 2016

Johnny Carson will always be the brightest jewel in the jewelry box.

julio faz

September 12, 2015

we still missed you after the 11pm news

Tenaya Torres-Tellez

August 30, 2015

Rudy Tellez was your best, most innovative, creative producer.

August 5, 2015

You will always b the Greatst Host ever

steven hein

August 4, 2015

he was so great part of my life

Grady Youngblood

May 16, 2015

Johnny Carson is the Greatest Host of All-Time

marty Hunt

May 14, 2015

Dear Johnny Carson I will forever miss you.RIP my friend you made many of my sleepless nights through colored the T.V oh and black and white
See you in paradise from Marty Rae Hunt.

Lisa Weiner

February 14, 2015

To Johnny Carson,
You were a wonderful comedian and talk show host. You made me laugh. Thank you for the great memories of laughter. Lisa Weiner

Mariann Martin

January 23, 2015

Johnny I sure do miss you and your humor. Thanks for the memories.

Harry Simpson

October 30, 2014

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Fair winds and following seas sailor.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

Paula Sharp

June 21, 2014

You made me feel safe and happy/every night u were on.Thank you Johnny

Edward Stroko

May 28, 2014

I was born in 1972 and I remember begging my mother and grandparents to let me stay up late to watch The Tonight Show. I was maybe 5 or 6 and have loved him ever since

Dianne Chase

March 9, 2014

My all-time favorite Never missed a show

Jay Mason

March 3, 2014

CLASS!!!

Randy Schenk

February 23, 2014

Johnny,You were the ultimate entertainer. R.I.P..Randy Schenk

Nancy Todd

February 17, 2014

RIP we all miss you

felecoa powell

February 7, 2014

His is miss every day and always

Gary Ginsberg

January 30, 2014

You were the best Johnny!!

Larry Fahey

January 24, 2014

Johnny Carson you was mine & My Dad's favorite Late night past time watching the tonight show you was a great one me & My Dad Miss you R.i.P. Love Always Larry Fahey From Louisville Kentucky

Gary Hanlon

January 14, 2014

May You rest forever In God's loving kingdom.

Catherine Runnals

January 13, 2014

Only a few people will be remembered. Johnny Carson was one of them.
I still laugh every time I watch his shows on Utube. Never will be forgotten,
and no one could ever come close to him. Nothing to stay up late for anymore. He was the best, a legend. Rest in peace, Johnny. Didn't see you in this life but hope we meet in the next.

Roy Crane

December 30, 2013

You were my boyhood idol. I had the Life Magazine cover of you on my wall. You were "cool" and I wanted to be like you. I know you had faults but, in spite of them, you still had a positive impact on so many people, including me. Just an ordinary guy who wanted to be like the extraordinary Johnny Carson. I still miss you every night.
Roy

carol

November 27, 2013

no one has ever made me laugh like you did, I miss you so much johnny, there will never be another johnny carson.

Nelson

November 24, 2013

Johnny u bring tears of joy and memories may god hold on to u forever cause u made me smile forever rip my friend

Lynn Young

October 19, 2013

We all feel as though we are mourning the loss of "an old friend" and here we are after all these years still recalling all the good times we shared. Johnny THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES" No one could ever take your place...we still love you now as we did then!! God Bless old friend.....

Sharon Frazier

October 15, 2013

October 2013-Each night after the local news, the late night shows come on the television. But these shows are just not on the same level of humor that Mr. Carson delivered show after show. I used to tell my college friends to "SHUT UP" when The Tonight Show monologue came on each night. 35 years later, my dear friend from college days--well, he still reminds me of my love of Johnny Carson and we still laugh about those times. No one will ever take the place of Johnny Carson, no matter how hard they might try. It is true, he will ALWAYS be the KING of late night television.

Nancy Anderson

October 11, 2013

You were a master at timing and interviewing and comedy. No one has come anywhere even close to your talent. You were and will always be the best. You are so missed still. Thanks for all the wonderful memories! Rest in peace.

Margot Elisius

October 6, 2013

Johnny - You're still being missed after all them years. Rest in Peace.

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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

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Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

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How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

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The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

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Ways to honor Johnny Carson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

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How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

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How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

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February 13, 2025

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January 22, 2025

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November 12, 2024

Bill Levison posted to the memorial.