Summary
Joanna Carson, former model and third wife of legendary talk show host Johnny Carson, passed away in July 2025 at the age of approximately 93. Known for her elegance and discretion, Joanna built a life beyond the spotlight—first as a successful fashion model, then as a Broadway producer, and later as a dedicated philanthropist. Married to Johnny Carson from 1972 to 1985, she received a high-profile divorce settlement but remained largely private. She supported numerous charities, including SHARE and the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, which honored her shortly after her passing. Joanna Carson is remembered for her grace, generosity, and enduring contributions to fashion, theater, and social causes.
Joanna Carson, the elegant former model and third wife of legendary talk show host Johnny Carson, passed away in July 2025. Her life was one of quiet grace, philanthropy, and influence in both the entertainment and fashion industries. As tributes pour in from across the world, many are taking the time to remember her contributions and the personal strength she exhibited throughout her life.
Early Life and Career in Fashion
Born Johanna Ulrich, Joanna began her professional life in the world of high fashion. Known for her poise and sophisticated beauty, she quickly rose to prominence as a top model in the 1970s. Her striking appearance and refined demeanor earned her features in some of the most prestigious magazines and fashion campaigns of the time.
She was admired not only for her looks but also for her business acumen and understanding of the industry, which would later serve her well in her producing and philanthropic endeavors.
A High-Profile Marriage to Johnny Carson
Joanna met Johnny Carson—then one of America’s most iconic television personalities—in 1971. The two were introduced in New York and married shortly after in 1972, just following Carson’s divorce from his second wife, Joanne Copeland. Their marriage, though glamorous on the surface, would endure for 13 years before ending in divorce in 1985.
The relationship attracted significant media attention, given Carson’s immense popularity as host of The Tonight Show. While Joanna mostly stayed out of the spotlight, she played a stabilizing role in Carson’s life during their marriage.
A Quiet Divorce with a Landmark Settlement
Joanna and Johnny Carson separated in the early 1980s and finalized their divorce in 1985. Despite their separation, the divorce was handled with dignity and discretion. Joanna reportedly received a substantial settlement, estimated to be around $20 million, which included prime real estate, monthly support, and valuable art pieces—including works by Pablo Picasso.
Their divorce made headlines not for scandal, but for its financial scale, which was among the largest celebrity settlements of the time. Still, Joanna maintained her privacy and avoided the typical media frenzies associated with high-profile separations.
Pursuits in Theater and Entertainment Production
After her divorce from Carson, Joanna reinvented herself as a producer, moving into theater and entertainment with notable success. Her Broadway production credits included American Psycho (2016), Beetlejuice (2019, 2022), and American Buffalo (2022), showcasing her refined taste and ability to back successful, culturally relevant projects.
Her involvement in Broadway demonstrated a long-standing passion for the arts. Joanna was praised not only for her financial investment in theater but also for her creative instincts, often working behind the scenes to support emerging talent and underrepresented voices in the performing arts.
A Life Devoted to Philanthropy
In her later years, Joanna Carson became deeply involved in philanthropic work. She supported numerous causes, particularly those related to health, children, and AIDS awareness. Among her notable contributions was her long-time support for SHARE, a Los Angeles-based organization aiding children with developmental disabilities and their families.
She also played a crucial role in supporting the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, and her work there was honored in a tribute from the organization shortly after her death. Friends and colleagues remember her for her humility, kindness, and unwavering commitment to charitable service.
Personal Life and Private Strength
Before her marriage to Johnny Carson, Joanna was married to Tim Holland, with whom she had a son. Tragically, her son passed away in 1994. Though deeply private about her personal losses, Joanna carried herself with resilience and grace through immense personal challenges.
Close friends, including actress Ruta Lee, remembered Joanna as someone who embodied emotional intelligence, dignity, and compassion. She was described as “soft-spoken and beautifully mannered,” a woman who preferred actions over attention.
Despite being surrounded by fame throughout her life, Joanna never sought the spotlight. She valued privacy, close relationships, and meaningful work—whether in fashion, theater, or philanthropy.
Her Passing and Legacy
Joanna Carson died in July 2025 at an estimated age of 88–93, with most reports placing her age around 93. Her death was announced quietly, and a private funeral service followed shortly after. The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation paid tribute to her on July 30, 2025, highlighting her longstanding dedication to humanitarian causes.
Although she is perhaps best known to the public as Johnny Carson’s third wife, Joanna Carson’s life stands on its own as a story of transformation, influence, and generosity. Her contributions to fashion, entertainment, and social causes remain a lasting part of her legacy.
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Final Reflections
Joanna Carson lived a life of elegance and integrity. She moved fluidly between the worlds of fashion, Hollywood, and philanthropy, choosing to influence rather than impress. Her humility was perhaps her most defining feature—a rare trait in a world that often rewards visibility over substance.
In remembering Joanna Carson, one recalls not only the wife of a television icon but also a woman who used her position to quietly do good, support the arts, and uplift others. Her story serves as a reminder that behind many great public figures are individuals who live extraordinary lives away from the spotlight.
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