Every morning when she awakens, she reminds herself of it. She is reminded of how fleeting life may be and to live each day as it comes. “You have no idea. A lot may happen in a day. So, she continued, “just be thankful for what you have today; that’s something we can all practice a little more of.

Prior to her passing on January 20, 2002, Carrie Hamilton collaborated with her mother, Carol Burnett, on the play Hollywood Arms. The dramedy was based on Burnett’s 1986 autobiography One More Time, which chronicled her early years, upbringing, and ascent to stardom in Hollywood.

Carrie Hamilton and Carol Burnett during 34th Annual Thalians Ball at Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, California, United States. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Carol was deeply saddened by the fact that Carrie Hamilton never got to see the play come to life. Her husband was the one who persuaded her to finish it in memory of her daughter. He advised her to complete their project since she owed it to Hal Prince, the director, as well as to Carrie. She did just that, then.

Not even three months had passed since the death of her daughter when the play made its world premiere at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, Illinois, on April 9, 2002. It later traveled to Broadway, where it played for 76 performances and 28 previews at the Cort Theatre. As was predicted, the play was a huge success.

Carol Burnett referred to its premiere as “we’re on the plane, my husband and I, to Chicago, and I said a little prayer to Carrie.” “I declared, ‘I’ll be doing this, but I don’t want to be by myself. Follow me. Be with me in some way. I need confirmation that you’ll be there in spirit even if you aren’t physically there.