Joanna Carson, born Joanna Holland, was an American model and philanthropist best known as the third wife of legendary talk show host Johnny Carson. The two were married from 1972 to 1985. She passed away in July 2025 at the age of 93 in Los Angeles. Known for her glamorous lifestyle and quiet strength, Joanna spent her later years supporting charitable causes, especially the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
She lived a private life after her divorce from Johnny Carson but remained respected among Hollywood circles. She did not have any children and rarely appeared in public in her final years.
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Joanna Carson Wiki/Bio
| Full Name | Joanna Holland Carson |
| Date of Birth | July 20, 1930 |
| Age at Death | 93 years (died July 2025) |
| Profession | Former Model, Philanthropist |
| Hometown | New York City, New York |
| Last Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Nationality | American |
Physical Details
| Height | Approx. 5’6”–5’8” (1.68–1.73 m) |
| Weight | Approx. 55–65 kg |
| Hair Color | Blonde (as seen in public photos) |
Early Life
Joanna Carson was born on July 20, 1930, in New York City. Not much is known about her childhood or parents. She first married backgammon champion Tim Holland and lived with him for six years. After their separation, she worked as a model in New York.
Her work in fashion and modeling introduced her to social circles that eventually led her to meet Johnny Carson. She once said that her modeling career helped her understand the world of fame and gave her confidence in high-profile events.
Education
Joanna did not speak much about her studies. She focused more on her modeling career and later on her life with Johnny Carson. In interviews, she mentioned learning about fashion and culture through experience rather than formal education.
Relationship Status
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse(s) | Tim Holland (first), Johnny Carson (1972–1985) |
| Children | None |
Joanna first married Tim Holland, a backgammon player, before meeting Johnny Carson. She became Johnny’s third wife in 1972. Their marriage lasted 13 years and ended in a highly publicized divorce in 1985. After that, she did not remarry and focused on charity work.
Career Highlights
Joanna worked as a model in New York in her early career. Her elegant looks and charm made her a part of many high-society events. After marrying Johnny Carson, she became a regular figure at red carpets, award shows, and charity galas.
Although she never acted in TV or movies, she was often photographed alongside Johnny at big events, including the Tonight Show anniversaries and concerts.
After her divorce, she quietly stepped away from the spotlight and focused on helping others. She supported causes like the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation and hosted fundraising events. Her most recent public appearance was at a foundation event in 2019.
Net Worth
| Estimated Net Worth | $20–30 million (as of 2025) |
| Main Income Sources | Divorce settlement, investments |
| Assets | Los Angeles home |
Joanna Carson received a $20 million settlement from her divorce with Johnny Carson in 1985. Over the years, her smart investments helped her grow that amount. She lived in Los Angeles until her death and stayed away from media attention.
Controversies
Expensive Divorce
Joanna’s divorce from Johnny Carson was one of the most expensive celebrity separations at the time. Reports said she initially asked for $220,000 a month in alimony. The case drew public attention, especially since Johnny made jokes about it on his show.
Name Confusion
Many people confused Joanna with Johnny’s second wife, Joanne Carson, especially after Joanne’s death in 2015. Joanna, however, lived a separate life and was not involved in acting or TV hosting.
