Home / Arts and Entertainment / Carson's Sons: A Private Life Revealed
Carson's Sons: A Private Life Revealed
26 Oct
Summary
- Carson's three sons experienced estrangement from their mother.
- One son died tragically in a car accident in 1991.
- Carson acknowledged his family struggles on his final show.
Johnny Carson's three sons—Chris, Rick, and Cory—experienced a complicated family life behind the scenes of 'The Tonight Show.' Born to Carson and his first wife, Joan "Jody" Morrill Wolcott, the boys grew up largely estranged from their mother.
Rick Carson tragically died in a car accident in 1991 at age 39, a loss that profoundly affected his father. Chris Carson passed away in 2025 at 74. Cory Carson, now 72, has largely remained out of the public eye.
Carson, who passed away in 2005, openly discussed his difficulties balancing his demanding career with family life. On his final 'Tonight Show' in 1992, he acknowledged the challenges his sons faced due to his public persona and expressed his love for them, noting Rick's absence.
