Joanna Carson, known for her glamorous modeling career and as the third wife of television legend Johnny Carson, has passed away. Her death was privately announced in July, with her funeral taking place just last week.
The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation honored her memory in a Facebook post on July 30, recognizing her contributions alongside other notable figures who died recently, including philanthropist Wallis Annenberg.
Born Johanna Ulrich in New York, she began her journey to prominence after marrying world-renowned backgammon player Tim Holland, with whom she had a son, Joe. Following their divorce, Joanna swiftly made a name for herself as a sought-after fashion model.
Johanna first crossed paths with Johnny Carson at the upscale restaurant 21, where they would later surprise many with their marriage announcement in 1972, just after Johnny’s divorce from his second wife, Joanne Carson. The similarities in their names often led to confusion, but Joanna eventually became a prominent figure on her own.
Their marriage lasted more than a decade, after which Joanna filed for divorce in 1985, securing a reported $20 million settlement, a figure that became a frequent subject of Johnny’s self-deprecating humor.
In addition to her modeling career, Joanna was known for her close ties with late designer Michaele Vollbracht, serving as vice president of his company. She was deeply committed to philanthropy, particularly with SHARE (Share Happily and Reap Endlessly), focusing on the needs of developmentally disabled, abused, and neglected children, and raising funds for medical research related to developmental disabilities.
Her impact also extended to Broadway, where she produced several notable shows including “American Psycho” (2016), “Beetlejuice” (2019 & 2022), and “American Buffalo” (2022). Joanna Carson’s multifaceted legacy—spanning fashion, philanthropy, and production—reflects her vibrant life and the lasting impression she made on those around her.