7 Shocking Facts About Joanna Holland: The Elite Model Who Became Johnny Carson's Most Talked-About Ex-Wife

The legacy of Joanna Holland, the glamorous former model and socialite who became the third wife of late-night legend Johnny Carson, continues to fascinate the public, especially in light of recent news of her passing. As of December 12, 2025, the world reflects on the life of a woman who was much more than a celebrity spouse; she was a successful professional, a dedicated philanthropist, and a key figure in one of Hollywood’s most talked-about divorces. Her story is a compelling blend of high-fashion glamour, enduring charity work, and the intense spotlight that comes with marrying an American television icon.

Her journey, which began as Johanna Ulrich, saw her transition from the runways of New York to the elite social circles of Los Angeles, culminating in a headline-making 13-year marriage to the host of The Tonight Show. While her relationship with Carson often defined her public persona, Joanna Holland carved out a significant identity for herself, particularly through her unwavering commitment to charitable causes, leaving behind a profound and lasting impact on the philanthropic world.

Biography and Profile of Joanna Holland (Joanna Carson)

Joanna Holland, later known as Joanna Carson, lived a life marked by elegance, professional success, and high-profile relationships. Her career as an elite model set the stage for her entry into the world of celebrity, but her work as a philanthropist ultimately became her most enduring legacy.

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• Full Name (Birth): Johanna Ulrich
• Also Known As: Joanna Holland, Joanna Carson
• Date of Birth: Exact date is private, but she was born around 1930.
• Date of Death: July (Year not explicitly stated in snippets, but recent news), at age 93.
• Place of Birth: New York, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Former Elite Model, Socialite, Philanthropist, Fashion Designer
• First Marriage: Tim Holland (World-renowned backgammon player)
• Second Marriage: Johnny Carson (American television host)
  • Marriage Date: September 30, 1972
  • Divorce Date: 1985
• Children: She had one child from her first marriage to Tim Holland.
• Notable Philanthropy: Major supporter and board member of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

The Glamour Years: From Elite Model to Hollywood Socialite

Joanna Holland’s initial rise to prominence began not on the arm of a celebrity, but on the fashion runways of New York. Born Johanna Ulrich, she quickly established herself as an elite model, her striking looks and elegant demeanor making her a sought-after face in the industry. This early career provided the foundation for her later transition into high-profile social circles.

Her first marriage was to Tim Holland, a world-famous backgammon player, which is where she adopted the surname Holland. This union gave her a taste of the international, jet-setting lifestyle, cultivating the sophisticated social skills that would serve her well in Hollywood.

In 1972, her life took a dramatic turn when she married Johnny Carson, the undisputed king of late-night television. The marriage, which was Carson’s third, was a whirlwind affair that instantly catapulted Joanna into the highest echelons of celebrity. She became a fixture at exclusive Hollywood events, solidifying her status as a prominent socialite and a glamorous companion to one of the world’s most famous men.

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During their 13 years together, Joanna Holland was an integral part of the Carson legend. She was known for her impeccable style and her role as a supportive, yet independent, partner to the intensely private television host. The couple’s high-profile lifestyle, marked by homes in Malibu and New York, made them constants in the society pages, generating significant public curiosity about their private world.

The Infamous Divorce and the $20 Million Settlement

One of the most defining—and most public—chapters of Joanna Holland's life was her 1983 divorce from Johnny Carson. The separation and subsequent legal battle became fodder for tabloids and, famously, for Carson's own self-deprecating monologues on The Tonight Show. The public nature of the split, particularly the financial details, ensured that the event would be etched into Hollywood history.

The divorce settlement was monumental for its time, reportedly totaling around $20 million. This figure was staggering in the mid-1980s, making it one of the largest celebrity divorce settlements on record. The magnitude of the settlement was a testament both to Carson's immense wealth and to Joanna's strong legal standing.

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Carson, known for his wit, often used the divorce as material, turning his personal pain into comedy gold for his millions of viewers. This unique situation—where the ex-wife became a punchline on the nation's most-watched late-night show—further cemented Joanna Holland's place in popular culture. However, she handled the scrutiny with grace, quietly moving forward with her life and career.

The divorce marked a turning point, allowing Joanna to step out of her husband's shadow and focus on her independent career and philanthropic passions. She pursued work as a fashion designer and increasingly dedicated her time and resources to charitable endeavors, particularly those focused on health and social issues.

Joanna's Enduring Philanthropic Legacy with Elizabeth Taylor

While her modeling days and marriage to Johnny Carson brought her fame, Joanna Holland's most significant contribution was undoubtedly her work as a philanthropist. Following her divorce, she became a dedicated supporter and a key board member of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF).

Her friendship with the legendary actress Elizabeth Taylor was a powerful catalyst for her charity work. Joanna devoted years to raising funds and awareness for the AIDS crisis, using her social influence and financial resources to make a tangible difference. The ETAF honored her for her unwavering commitment, a tribute that speaks volumes about her character and dedication far beyond the glitz of Hollywood.

This commitment to giving back provided a powerful second act to her life. By leveraging her status as a prominent socialite and former celebrity wife, she directed the public's attention toward a serious global health crisis. Her tireless efforts demonstrated a profound sense of purpose, proving that her impact extended well past her association with The Tonight Show.

Joanna Holland passed away in July at the age of 93, a milestone age that reflects a life fully lived. Her death, though a quiet affair, prompted an outpouring of tributes from those in the entertainment and philanthropic worlds, who remembered her not just as Johnny Carson's ex-wife, but as a kind, elegant, and generous woman. She leaves behind a legacy defined by glamour, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place through her charity work. Her life story serves as a powerful reminder that true influence often lies in the quiet acts of generosity and dedication to a cause.