Earlier this year, people worldwide paused to celebrate Carol Burnett as she marked her 90th birthday on April 26. For those who missed it, NBC and Peacock aired a two-hour special, Carol Burnett: 90 Years of Laughter + Love, on her birthday—a must-watch tribute!
Leading up to the special, Burnett was busy giving interviews, with nearly every media outlet eager to feature her. She was even profiled in the April issue of PEOPLE, where she gave a heartwarming interview full of memorable quotes.
Among the topics she discussed was her late daughter, Carrie Hamilton, one of her three children with her second husband, Joe Hamilton. Carrie followed in her mother’s footsteps as an actress and singer, though she struggled with addiction and sadly passed away from lung and brain cancer in 2002.
Carrie was just 38 when she passed; if alive, she would be turning 60 in December. Despite her short life, she left a lasting impact, especially on her mother, who keeps her memory close.
“She’s almost always with me,” Carol shared, recalling the good times and challenges they shared. Just a few weeks shy of her 90th birthday, Burnett told PEOPLE, “She was a force.” Carol also remembers the advice her daughter shared in her final days.
“I used to visit her daily in the hospital,” Carol recalled. “One nurse remarked, ‘Carrie lifts our spirits.’ When I asked her secret to staying positive, Carrie said, ‘Every day, I make a choice.’” Carol explained, emphasizing the word “choice.”
Carol now reminds herself of Carrie’s wisdom every morning. It’s a reminder of life’s brevity and to embrace each day. “You just never know what a day may bring. Be grateful for today—that’s something we could all do more often.”
Before Carrie’s passing on January 20, 2002, she and Carol collaborated on the play Hollywood Arms, inspired by Carol’s 1986 memoir One More Time, which recounts her childhood, family, and journey to Hollywood.