Johnny Carson's third wife Joanna Carson dies at 88

Joanna Carson died in July

TV personality and model Joanna Carson died at the age of 88. She was the third wife of late television legend Johnny Carson. The news of her death was confirmed on the social media account of her friends.

The official Instagram handle of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation announced the death of Joanna on Wednesday, July 30. The post was accompanied by the caption, “Remembering ETAF's dear friends and supporters, Joanna Carson and Wallis Annenberg, who embodied our Founder, Elizabeth Taylor's spirit of love and support.” Joanna’s funeral was held last week.

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A post shared by Elizabeth Taylor AIDS FDN (@elizabethtayloraidsfoundation)

For the unversed, Joanna met Johnny Carson in 1971 at the 21 Club in New York. Joanna was previously married to Tim Holland from 1960 to 1966 and shared a son, Tim.

However, after Joanna, a top Manhattan model, met Johnny Carson, she marked his 46th birthday on their first date. Their whirlwind romance led to daily 4:30 p.m. phone calls for a year.

They exchanged vows in 1972. Notably, that same year, Johnny finalised his divorce from his second wife, Joanne Copeland. In a surprise move, Johnny announced his marriage to Joanna during his Tonight Show 10-year anniversary celebration on September 30, 1972.

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Joana and Johnny’s relationship hit a road bump, stemming from Johnny’s drinking habits, along with other marital woes that led to their separation.

Meanwhile, Joanna and Johnny’s divorce had been estimated to be worth $20 million (about $48 million today), and was one of the most expensive in Hollywood history.