John William Carson 1925-2005
I heard tonight that Johnny Carson passed away, and it was like losing my father---the real Jack, before the strokes---all over again. The Tonight Show is one of the fondest memories of my father. Every night, I would hear the familiar "Heeeeeere's JOHNNY!", and I would know that my dad was sitting in his recliner--a glass of cornbread and milk and some fresh chopped onion in his lap--and all was right and as it should be. Of course, I didn't know it then...it is just the familiarity of it that gives me that peaceful feeling now. My father thought Johnny Carson was a god. He would laugh so hard he would lose his breath...my father was a lot like Mr. Carson...perfect timing, killer smile, awesome sense of humor. I grew up with that show on the TV. Even after his strokes, my father continued to watch The Tonight Show faithfully, and when he would giggle you could sometimes catch a glimpse of the youthful Jack in there somewhere...
Rest in peace, Johnny...and hunt my father down and sit with him a while. He'll pour you a scotch and be good for a few laughs...
8 comments:
that made me really sad too. A part of our past is gone.
Great entry, brought back memories of my grandfather :)
~Erika~
I wrote in Walk today about when I think of Johnny...I think of how he delighted my dad. Maybe the three of them (your dad, my dad and Johnny) are enjoying a good laugh together right now. I hope so.
C, What an absolutely beautiful entry. It was so well-written, touching and just so special. Your dad would be proud. Nancy
I love Johnny and that is so sad....
Nice tribute, loved the comment about hunting your Dad down, pretty funny. Neat too!
This tribute is perfect, C. Sending you a big hug. ~A.
Johnny had an odd sense of humor; something that I am quite used to in my family. I can recall spending weekends at my granddad's house, watching Johnny late at night...or was it early morning? Anyway, I would laugh with my sister and cousin, laying in the floor of the living room on a pallet. It's a memory ingrained in my mind forever....and what a good memory it is.
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