Johnny Carson’s 3 Children: All About the Late TV Host’s Sons — and the Rare Shout-out He Gave Them During His Final “Tonight Show” Broadcast

Johnny Carson’s 3 Children: All About Sons Chris, Rick and Cory

Johnny Carson, the iconic host of The Tonight Show, was a household name, known for his charm and wit that graced television screens across America. However, behind the scenes, his relationships, especially with his children – Chris, Rick and Cory – were tumultuous. In a biography titled “Carson the Magnificent” published in November 2024, Cory Carson was quoted saying, “Work was easy for him, family was not,” shedding light on the complexities of Carson’s personal life. Despite his professional success, his dedication to his career often led to strained relationships with his children.

Carson’s journey into fatherhood began with his first wife, Joan “Jody” Morrill Wolcott, whom he met at the University of Nebraska. The couple tied the knot in 1949 and went on to have three sons: Chris, born in 1950; Rick, born in 1951; and Cory, born in 1953. While Carson radiated charm on-screen, off-screen, his private life was marred by a tumultuous marriage and struggles with alcoholism. This ultimately led to the dissolution of his marriage to Wolcott in 1963, after which his sons primarily resided with him and his subsequent wives, leading to estrangement from Wolcott.

Chris Carson, born in 1950, chose to maintain a low profile much like his brothers. In a rare glimpse into his personal life, it was revealed that Carson financially supported Chris, providing him with an annual allowance, cars, and even a home. Meanwhile, Rick Carson, who pursued a career in photography after serving in the U.S. Navy, tragically passed away in a car accident at the age of 39. His sudden death deeply affected Johnny Carson, who struggled with the grief of losing a son.

The youngest of Carson’s sons, Barry William Carson, known as Cory, also navigated the complexities of having a famous father while craving a more intimate connection. Cory, a classical guitarist and recording artist, reflected on his upbringing and the challenges of living in the shadow of his father’s public persona. Despite their differences and struggles, Carson made a poignant tribute to his sons during the final broadcast of The Tonight Show in 1992, acknowledging the complexities of being raised by a public figure.

Johnny Carson’s legacy continues through his children, each carving their own paths away from the spotlight. Chris, Rick, and Cory represent different facets of Carson’s life, each grappling with their father’s fame and the personal sacrifices that came with it. While their stories may be tinged with moments of sorrow and estrangement, they stand testament to the complexities of family dynamics in the shadow of fame.

In conclusion, the Carson family saga sheds light on the intricacies of balancing a public persona with private struggles, showcasing the multifaceted nature of fame and its impact on familial relationships. Johnny Carson’s children – Chris, Rick, and Cory – each carry a legacy defined by their father’s towering presence in the entertainment world, yet are also emblematic of the individual journeys they embarked on away from the glare of the spotlight.