Carol Burnett’s Quiet Love Story: A Private Partnership That Guided Her Through Life’s Toughest Chapters
For nearly 20 years, Carol Burnett and her husband have maintained a discreet, under-the-radar relationship. Yet behind the scenes, he’s been a guiding force—urging her to finish a meaningful project she started with her daughter and stepping in as a legal guardian to her grandson during a family emergency.
Though their marriage began without fanfare, it quickly became vital to some of the most emotional parts of Burnett’s life. Brian Miller, who is 23 years younger than Carol, entered her world at a pivotal time. Just weeks after their wedding, a devastating family loss reshaped their lives and solidified the quiet strength Brian would come to represent.
Over the next two decades, Brian’s support reached far beyond their marital bond. He helped Carol navigate grief through creativity and later joined her in a court petition to care for a grandchild. While their partnership has largely stayed out of the public eye, its importance has echoed through the moments that mattered most.
Early Life, First Two Marriages, and Meeting Brian
Carol Burnett, born on April 26, 1933, gained fame as a beloved figure on television, especially through The Carol Burnett Show. Before finding lasting companionship with Brian, she was married twice and raised three daughters.
Her first husband, actor Don Saroyan, married her in December 1955. Their marriage ended in divorce in September 1962. Don was best known for his roles in films like Cuban Rebel Girls and Blast of Silence. He passed away in November 1990.
Her second marriage was to producer-director Joe Hamilton, starting in May 1963. He played a significant role in The Carol Burnett Show and was the father of her daughters Carrie, Jody, and Erin. That marriage also ended in divorce. Joe died in June 1991.
Carol’s path crossed with Brian’s in the late 1990s at a concert in Long Beach, California. At the time, Brian was a lead drummer and contractor for the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Their relationship began quietly and away from media attention.
When they wed, Carol was 68 and Brian was 45. She has spoken openly about their age gap, once saying, “He’s funny and not easily shaken. As we get older, the age difference fades. If you were 40 marrying a 20-year-old, maybe you’d struggle to communicate like we do.”
In another interview, she quipped, “You’re looking at a cougar, uhuh.” Carol described Brian as an “old soul” with a strong career and a great sense of humor. “We like the same things,” she said. “It’s a nice, easy relationship.”
At the time they met, Carol had been single for years, with her children grown and her career still keeping her busy. Their relationship blossomed during a time of personal growth—particularly with her daughter Carrie at the center of it all.
Carrie Hamilton’s Battle, Bond, and Creativity
Carrie Hamilton, Carol’s eldest daughter, faced a difficult battle with addiction in her teens. Carol later revealed she placed Carrie in three different rehab programs before she found lasting recovery at age 17. “That last time, she absolutely hated me,” Carol said. “But I knew I had to love her enough to let her hate me.”
Once sober, Carrie pursued a career in acting and writing. She starred in the show Fame and occasionally collaborated with her mother in stage and TV projects. Carol shared how their bond deepened through their creative work, ultimately producing three projects together.
One of those collaborations was a stage adaptation of Carol’s memoir One More Time, co-written by mother and daughter. Carol recalled how Carrie loved engaging with people—often offering homeless individuals $10 in exchange for their life stories, which she then used as writing inspiration.
“She never saw anyone as a stranger,” Carol reflected. “And she loved to write.” By the early 2000s, their play was being directed by the legendary Hal Prince. But just as their creative dreams took shape, Carrie’s health began to decline. Around the same time, Carol and Brian decided to get married.
A New Marriage Marked by Grief
Carol and Brian tied the knot on November 24, 2001, after several years together. Only two months later, Carrie died on January 20, 2002, at age 38. She passed from pneumonia related to cancer that originated in her lungs and metastasized to her brain.
The loss devastated Carol to the point she couldn’t get out of bed, even as their co-written play Hollywood Arms was preparing to open. Brian was the one who pushed her to go on. “My husband told me, ‘Carol, you owe this to Carrie—and to Hal. You have to finish,’” she recalled.
They traveled to Chicago for previews at the Goodman Theatre. On the flight, Carol quietly asked Carrie for a sign she wasn’t alone. When they arrived, a hotel staffer had placed a massive bouquet of birds-of-paradise flowers in their room.
Carrie had a bird-of-paradise tattoo on her right shoulder. Carol later discovered that Hal had asked for something “unusual” to be placed in their room. That evening, Carol, Brian, and Hal went out to dinner—and were given a complimentary bottle of champagne labeled “Louise,” Carrie’s middle name and also Carol’s mother’s name.
It rained on opening night. “Carrie and I adored the rain,” Carol said. She cherishes those signs to this day—and so does Brian, who remained a constant figure by her side.
A Life of Quiet Joy and Rare Public Appearances
For many years, Carol and Brian have lived quietly and shared a simple, low-key life together. In interviews from the early 2020s, Carol described their everyday routines: “We do crosswords. We read. We watch TV. We go on walks. We have a cat named Nikki.”
They often rewatch old favorites like Singin’ in the Rain, which Carol said she knows “by heart.” She added that she keeps up with the news and mentioned Jake Tapper, Rachel Maddow, and Randy Rainbow as her go-to commentators.
One of their few public outings took place in May 2022, when they were seen enjoying Mother’s Day lunch in Montecito shortly after Carol’s 89th birthday.
An eyewitness shared, “Carol was fully engaged whenever Brian spoke. They even sang show tunes while waiting for their food—it was really sweet.” As they walked to the valet, Carol held tightly to Brian’s arm. But life hasn’t been without its responsibilities.
Stepping Up During a Family Crisis
In August 2020, Carol and Brian petitioned the Los Angeles Superior Court for temporary guardianship of Carol’s then-14-year-old grandson, Dylan. The court approved their request on September 1.
The petition explained that Carol’s daughter Erin was struggling with substance abuse and unable to care for Dylan. As temporary guardians, Carol and Brian were granted authority over his education, healthcare, and living arrangements.
The guardianship, set to last until January 8, 2021, wasn’t meant to interfere with Dylan’s relationship with his parents. Carol clarified that it was “not to prevent proper visitation,” but to ensure his basic needs were being met.
The court acknowledged Brian’s deep connection to Dylan, stating, “He may not be the biological grandfather, but he has been in Dylan’s life from the start and loves him like his own.” Dylan’s father, Tony West, had recently entered rehab and was unable to take custody.
Their decision to share guardianship underscored Brian’s unwavering support—and Carol’s ongoing dedication to her family well into her 90s.
Still Thriving at 91
Now 91, Carol Burnett continues to work in television. In March 2024, she appeared in Palm Royale, a period drama set among Florida’s elite.
Speaking about the project, she said, “When they called me, I didn’t even read the script. I just said yes.” She’s hopeful the series will return for a second season, giving her more opportunities to stay active into her 92nd year.
“I want to enjoy myself,” she said. “I treat every role like it’s something brand new. I’m just grateful to be working—and to have everything still functioning. My hips, my knees, and I think my brain too! As long as I’ve got that, I want to keep going.”
More than 20 years after their wedding, Brian continues to stay mostly out of the spotlight—but always close to Carol’s side. Their journey together has been marked by quiet routines, deep losses, meaningful projects, and unwavering support.
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