Johnny Carson, the legendary host of The Tonight Show, was not just the King of Late Night but also a man whose personal life was as intriguing as his on-screen persona. While Carson’s on-camera charisma and quick wit captivated millions, his private life—marked by multiple marriages, strained family relationships, and health battles—offers a more complex and human portrait of the late entertainer. This article explores Johnny Carson’s spouses, children, net worth, death, and the legacy he left behind.
Who Is Johnny Carson’s Spouse?
Johnny Carson was married four times during his 79 years, and each relationship shaped different chapters of his life. Though his professional persona often seemed controlled and unflappable, his romantic life was full of turbulence, passion, and deep personal evolution.
1. Joan “Jody” Morrill Wolcott (1949–1963)
Carson’s first wife was his college sweetheart, Joan “Jody” Wolcott. They married in 1949 and had three sons: Richard, Christopher, and Cory. The marriage was tumultuous, marked by infidelity on both sides, and eventually ended in divorce in 1963. However, Jody remained an essential part of Carson’s life story, having mothered all of his children.
2. Joanna Copeland Carson (1963–1972)
Often confused with his third wife due to her shared name with Carson’s later spouse, Joanna Copeland Carson was actually his second wife. Joanna was a former model and hostess of V.I.P. Tonight. Their marriage coincided with Carson’s rise to fame on The Tonight Show. Despite the glamour of the spotlight, their marriage couldn’t withstand the pressures of celebrity and ended in 1972.
3. Joanna Holland (1972–1985)
Carson married Joanna Holland the same day he finalized his divorce from Joanna Copeland—a decision that raised eyebrows. Their union lasted 13 years and ended with one of the most expensive celebrity divorces of its time. Holland filed for divorce on Carson’s birthday, and the separation reportedly cost Carson over $20 million.
4. Alexis Maas (1987–2005)
Carson’s fourth and final marriage was to Alexis Maas, a former stock brokerage employee. They married in 1987 in a quiet Malibu ceremony and remained together until Carson’s death in 2005. Unlike his previous wives, Alexis largely avoided the limelight and was often seen accompanying Carson on yacht trips or relaxing in seclusion. They had no children, but she inherited a significant portion of his estate.
How Many Children Did Johnny Carson Have?
Johnny Carson had three sons, all from his first marriage to Joan Wolcott:
- Richard Carson (1950–1991): Tragically died in a car accident in 1991.
- Christopher Carson (born 1952)
- Cory Carson (born 1953)
Carson rarely spoke about his children publicly and reportedly had a strained relationship with them, especially during their adult years. The death of his eldest son Richard was said to deeply affect him, though Carson remained stoic about the tragedy in public.
How Did Johnny Carson Die?
Johnny Carson passed away on January 23, 2005, at the age of 79. The cause of death was respiratory failure due to emphysema, a condition likely worsened by his history as a heavy smoker. In his later years, Carson had kept a low profile, rarely making public appearances after his retirement from television in 1992.
According to close friends and family, his wife Alexis Maas and two surviving sons were by his side when he passed away at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He died peacefully, and tributes poured in from around the world, including heartfelt acknowledgments from President George W. Bush, David Letterman, and Jay Leno.
Johnny Carson: Age, Birthday & Legacy
- Born: October 23, 1925
- Died: January 23, 2005
- Age at Death: 79 years
Carson was born in Corning, Iowa, and began his media career as a radio host before finding his true calling in television. He began hosting The Tonight Show in 1962 and continued for 30 years until his retirement in 1992. Known for his impeccable comedic timing and influential interviews, Carson set the gold standard for late-night television.
Johnny Carson Net Worth
At the time of his death, Johnny Carson’s net worth was estimated at $300 million. He was one of the highest-paid entertainers in the world during his peak, earning upwards of $25 million per year during the 1980s. After his death, approximately $150–156 million was inherited by his wife, Alexis Maas, and the rest was divided among his surviving sons and the Johnny Carson Foundation, which supports education and children’s charities.
Johnny Carson Shows & Cultural Influence
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson: Aired from 1962 to 1992, the show remains one of the most iconic programs in American television history. Carson hosted 6,714 episodes, mentoring future stars like Jay Leno, David Letterman, and even Joan Rivers.
- Don Rickles & Johnny Carson: The relationship between comedian Don Rickles and Johnny Carson was legendary. Rickles often roasted Carson on-air, creating unforgettable moments of unscripted comedy that still live on in late-night highlight reels.
Who Was with Johnny Carson When He Died?
Carson’s wife, Alexis Maas, and his sons Christopher and Cory were present during his final moments. Friends and colleagues noted that Carson spent his last years in near-total privacy, enjoying quiet time with Alexis and reflecting on his career away from the spotlight.
Johnny Carson Last Words — Mystery or Myth?
There is no public record of Johnny Carson’s last words. Unlike some celebrities whose parting phrases become pop culture folklore, Carson’s passing was quiet, in keeping with his retreat from public life after retirement. His family respected his desire for privacy, and very little about his final days has been shared beyond official statements.
Conclusion
Johnny Carson’s legacy lives on not just through reruns of The Tonight Show, but also in the late-night blueprint he pioneered. His journey through four marriages, fatherhood, and eventual retirement shows a man constantly evolving—privately flawed, publicly flawless. While the world remembers him as the smooth-talking host with the silver hair and quick grin, those who look closer see a man shaped by love, loss, fame, and introspection.
From Joan Wolcott to Alexis Maas, the women in Carson’s life played major roles in shaping the arc of his personal journey. Each marriage, each child, and each heartbreak became part of the complex mosaic of Johnny Carson—the man behind the microphone.