Joanna Carson, the former model and third wife of television host Johnny Carson, has passed away, with news of her death surfacing recently. Throughout her life, she was known for her high-profile marriage, philanthropic work, and contributions to fashion and theater.
Here’s what we know so far about Joanna Carson’s death.
Joanna Carson cause of death explained
Joanna Carson, the model and third wife of Johnny Carson, has died.
The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation acknowledged her passing in a Facebook post on July 30, 2025, writing: “Remembering ETAF’s dear friends and supporters, Joanna Carson and Wallis Annenberg, who embodied our Founder, Elizabeth Taylor’s spirit of love and support.”
According to Extra, her death was announced privately in July, and her funeral took place last week.
Carson, born Johanna Ulrich, was raised in New York and began her career as a high-paid fashion model after her divorce from professional backgammon player Tim Holland, with whom she shared a son. Her son, Joe, passed away in 1994. Joanna married Johnny Carson in 1972, following his divorce from Joanne Copeland. The two met in 1971 at the 21 Club in New York. According to Johnny’s 1978 New Yorker profile, he announced the marriage during The Tonight Show’s 10th anniversary celebration on September 30, 1972.
The couple divorced in 1985, with Joanna reportedly receiving $20 million and property in the settlement. During their marriage, actress Ruta Lee told People in 1983, “Joanna’s very accomplished at being a woman. I admire her femininity—her accommodation to men.”
Joanna Carson supported several philanthropic causes. She worked with SHARE, an organization aiding developmentally disabled and neglected children, and helped raise funds for medical research. She also supported designer Michaele Vollbracht, serving as vice president of his company. Additionally, she was a producer on Broadway productions including American Psycho (2016), Beetlejuice (2019, 2022), and American Buffalo (2022).
Johnny Carson died in 2005 and was survived by his fourth wife, Alexis Maas, and his three children from his first marriage to Joan “Jody” Morrill Wolcott. Joanna was preceded in death by her son, Joe.
