Johnny Carson, the legendary late-night talk show host, captivated audiences for decades
with his wit, charm, and magnetic presence.
While he made millions laugh with his comedic genius on "The Tonight Show," his love life
was a topic of fascination and intrigue.
Carson walked down the aisle four times throughout his life, each marriage playing a unique role
in his personal journey.
However, one of these marriages held a particularly special place in his heart.
In this video, we’ll talk about who that was, and we’ll go over Johnny’s other
marriage.
Stick around, as Facts Verse presents: Johnny Carson Confesses She Was the Love of His Life!
Johnny’s First Marriage Johnny Carson’s first marriage was to Jody
Wolcott, and their union began long before Carson rose to fame.
Johnny and Jody first met in college at the University of Nebraska, where they both attended.
The couple tied the knot on October 1, 1949, when Carson was just 24 years old.
At that time, he was working as a radio announcer in Omaha, Nebraska.
Carson's career began to take off, and he moved to California, where he found success
as a television personality.
However, the pressures and demands of his burgeoning career took a toll on his marriage.
Jody who preferred a quieter and more private life, found it challenging to adapt to Carson's
increasing fame and the public scrutiny that accompanied it.
The strain on their relationship eventually led to their separation, and they officially
divorced in 1963 after 14 years of marriage.
Despite the end of their romantic relationship, they remained on amicable terms and continued
to support each other throughout their lives.
After their divorce, Jody maintained a low-profile life away from the public eye.
She remarried and largely stayed out of the spotlight.
Carson, on the other hand, went on to become a television icon as the host of "The Tonight
Show Starring Johnny Carson," where he entertained audiences for three decades until his retirement
in 1992.
Ultimately, Johnny Carson's first marriage set the stage for the subsequent chapters
of his life, including his subsequent marriages and his unparalleled success as one of the
most beloved and influential figures in late-night television history.
But despite the failure of the marriage, it did produce three children.
His first son, Richard Carson, was born on October 14, 1950.
Richard led a relatively private life and chose to stay away from the spotlight.
He pursued a career in music and became an accomplished jazz musician.
Carson's second son, Christopher Carson, was born on March 10, 1952.
Like his older brother, Christopher also preferred to maintain a low profile and stayed out of
the public eye.
He pursued a career in television production and worked behind the scenes rather than in
front of the camera.
Carson's youngest son, Cory Carson, was born on June 20, 1953.
Tragically, Cory's life was cut short when he passed away on June 21, 1991, at the age
of 38, due to a car accident.
Cory's untimely death was a tragic loss for the Carson family, and it deeply affected
Johnny Carson.
Throughout his career, Johnny Carson was fiercely protective of his children's privacy, ensuring
that they were shielded from the media and public attention.
He wanted them to have a relatively normal upbringing away from the spotlight, despite
their father's fame.
Johnny’s Second Marriage Carson found love once again and walked down
the aisle with Copeland on August 17, 1963.
Joanne Copeland, a former model and interior decorator, brought a new chapter of companionship
and support into Carson's life.
Their relationship seemed promising, and they appeared to be a well-matched couple.
Copeland's beauty and grace complemented Carson's wit and charm, making them an attractive pair
both on and off-screen.
During their marriage, Carson's career continued to soar as the host of "The Tonight Show Starring
Johnny Carson."
Copeland embraced her role as the supportive spouse, standing by her husband's side as
he became an iconic figure in the world of late-night television.
However, despite the initial promise of their union, the pressures and demands of Carson's
high-profile career once again proved challenging for the couple.
The long hours, constant public scrutiny, and the seductive allure of showbiz took its
toll on their relationship.
In 1972, after nearly nine years of marriage, Johnny Carson and Joanne Copeland decided
to part ways and officially divorced.
The details surrounding their separation and subsequent divorce have remained relatively
private, with both parties maintaining a level of discretion.
Following the end of their marriage, Copeland retreated from the public eye, choosing to
focus on her personal life away from the spotlight.
Carson, with his signature humor and charisma, continued to dominate late-night television
until his retirement in 1992.
Johnny’s Third Marriage Johnny embarked on his third marriage with
Joanna Holland, a former model and socialite.
After the dissolution of his second marriage to Joanne Copeland, Carson found love once
again and tied the knot with Holland on September 30, 1972.
Joanna Holland brought a fresh energy and sophistication into Carson's life.
Known for her beauty and vivacity, Holland added a touch of glamour to their relationship.
As Carson continued to captivate audiences on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,"
Holland embraced her role as his partner, accompanying him to various social events
and supporting him through the demands of his career.
The couple's marriage lasted for a decade, during which time they navigated the ups and
downs of Carson's high-profile career and the accompanying pressures.
Despite their initial connection and the public image of a picture-perfect couple, their relationship
eventually encountered difficulties, and they decided to separate.
In 1983, after 11 years of marriage, Johnny Carson and Joanna Holland officially divorced.
The specifics surrounding their separation have remained relatively private, with both
parties maintaining a level of discretion.
Following their divorce, Holland sought to maintain a relatively low-profile life.
Carson, on the other hand, continued his illustrious career as the beloved host of "The Tonight
Show" until his retirement in 1992.
Johnny’s Fourth Marriage Johnny Carson's fourth marriage proved to
be his most enduring and meaningful.
After his divorce from Joanna Holland, Carson found true love and companionship with Alexis
Maas, a former stockbroker.
Their relationship blossomed, and they exchanged vows on June 20, 1987.
Alexis Maas became an integral part of Carson's life, providing unwavering support and love
throughout their marriage.
Their bond was evident to those who knew them, as they were often seen attending events together,
sharing laughter, and supporting each other in both good times and challenging moments.
Maas proved to be a constant presence in Carson's life, particularly in his later years when
his health declined.
As Carson faced various health issues, including emphysema and ultimately his battle with lung
cancer, Maas was there by his side, offering care and comfort.
Her devotion and unwavering commitment to Carson's well-being were apparent as she took
on the role of his primary caregiver, ensuring he received the best possible care.
Carson's declining health necessitated a more private life, and Maas respected his desire
for a low-key existence.
She shielded him from the public eye and allowed him to enjoy his retirement years in relative
seclusion, away from the scrutiny of the media and the demands of his previous high-profile
career.
As Carson's health continued to deteriorate, Maas became his rock and constant source of
support.
She remained devoted to him until the end, ensuring that he was comfortable and surrounded
by love.
Carson once famously described Maas as the "love of his life," a testament to the profound
connection they shared.
After Johnny Carson's passing on January 23, 2005, Alexis Maas continued to honor his legacy
and the bond they had built.
While she preferred a private life, her unwavering dedication to Carson remained evident, and
she played an integral role in preserving his memory.
Alexis Maas's role in Johnny Carson's life was profound and heartfelt.
She provided love, care, and companionship to him during the final years of his life,
solidifying her place as a pillar of support and the person he cherished most.
Interestingly enough, Alexis came from an incredibly wealthy family, and was a socialite
and heiress long before she and Carson met.
So there were never any claims that their love was based on his success or money.
And while she certainly did inherit much of his wealth – some sources claiming she was
worth around $300 million in 2018 – she actually ended up giving a ton of it away
to charity.
Reportedly Alexis gave nearly $156 million to the Johnny Carson Foundation.
This generosity was no doubt linked to her upbringing, and the positive influence that
Carson had on her.
She was able to continue his legacy, and keep showing her devotion and love to him by making
such huge donations in both of their names.
Alexis was a fairly private person before and during their marriage, so not much is
known about her life since Johnny’s 2005 death.
But one thing is for sure – she was the love of Johnny’s life, and was a rock solid
presence for him as he grew into the late stages of his life.
Johnny Carson was a true icon of the entertainment industry.
The bar he et as a late night comedy TV host is still held as the gold standard.
He was able to make himself feel like part of the family for many Americans, who looked
forward to seeing him every night on their TV screens.
And while it took a while to find his true love, it seems that he ultimately did.
Now it’s time to hear from you.
Were you surprised to find out that Johnny Carson was married four times, and that he
didn’t find his true love until the fourth and final marriage?
Let us know in the comments section below!