The Four Women Who Defined Late-Night: A Look At Johnny Carson's Wives And Their Lives Today

For over three decades, Johnny Carson was the undisputed King of Late Night, a cultural icon whose nightly monologue set the tone for America. Yet, behind the curtain of his legendary success on *The Tonight Show*, Carson’s personal life was marked by four significant marriages, each a chapter that profoundly shaped the man and the legend. As of December 2025, the stories of these four women—Jody, Joanne, Joanna, and Alexis—reveal a complex tapestry of Hollywood glamour, private struggle, and enduring legacy. The narratives of Carson’s wives are not merely footnotes in a celebrity biography; they are compelling life stories in their own right, from a quiet Nebraska native to an influential philanthropist. The most recent and poignant update comes with the passing of his third wife, Joanna Holland, in July 2025, an event that brings a fresh focus to the private lives of the women who stood beside the television giant.

The Four Spouses of Johnny Carson: A Complete Biographical Profile

Johnny Carson was married four times. His relationships, often scrutinized by the press, spanned nearly five decades, beginning before his rise to fame and concluding with his death in 2005. The women were:

• Joan "Jody" Morrill Wolcott: His first wife, the mother of his three sons, and a partner from his early career days.
• Joanne Copeland: A former model and flight attendant whose marriage coincided with the launch of *The Tonight Show*.
• Joanna Holland: A model and socialite whose marriage was famously tumultuous and ended in one of the most expensive divorces of the time.
• Alexis Maas: His final, most private, and longest-lasting wife, who remains the steward of his philanthropic legacy.

The following profiles detail the life, marriage, and current status of each woman.

1. Joan "Jody" Morrill Wolcott (1949–1963)

Jody Morrill Wolcott was Johnny Carson’s first wife and the woman who saw him through his formative years in Omaha, Nebraska, and his early career transition to California.

Biography & Marriage:

• Born: May 2, 1929 (approximate date) in the United States.
• Profession: Homemaker, and a constant presence during Carson's early career as a local radio and television personality.
• Marriage to Carson: 1949–1963.
• Children: They had three sons: Christopher, Cory, and Richard.

Their marriage was long-lasting by Hollywood standards, spanning 14 years and the birth of all three of Carson's children. However, as Carson's career began to take off, particularly with the lead-up to *The Tonight Show*, the relationship became strained and ended in divorce in 1963.

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Life After Carson:

Jody led an extremely private life following the divorce, remaining largely out of the public eye. She reportedly passed away between 2008 and 2015, with some genealogical records suggesting a death in 2015 in Bel Air, Los Angeles, though an official date has never been publicly confirmed.

2. Joanne Copeland (1963–1972)

Joanne Copeland’s marriage to Carson perfectly mirrored the meteoric rise of *The Tonight Show*, beginning just months after his divorce from Jody.

Biography & Marriage:

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• Born: October 20, 1931, in Los Angeles, California.
• Profession: Model, Pan Am stewardess, and later, a television host in her own right.
• Marriage to Carson: 1963–1972.
• Children: None together.

Joanne was a sophisticated figure who helped elevate Carson’s image during the show's crucial early years. She was known for her intelligence and poise, having worked as a Pan Am stewardess in the 1950s. After their divorce in 1972, she received a substantial settlement, which allowed her to pursue her own interests.

Life After Carson:

Joanne remained a fixture in high society, particularly in Los Angeles and Miami. She was a close friend of Truman Capote and even had a special bedroom designated for him in her Bel Air home. She passed away on May 8, 2015, at the age of 83.

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3. Joanna Holland (1972–1983) - The Most Recent Loss

The marriage to Joanna Holland, a former model, was arguably Carson’s most turbulent, marked by high-profile disputes and a record-setting financial settlement.

Biography & Marriage:

• Born: Johanna Ulrich, on July 20, 1930 (approximate date).
• Profession: Model and socialite.
• Marriage to Carson: 1972–1983.
• Children: She had a son, Joe, from a previous marriage to backgammon player Tim Holland.

Joanna and Carson’s relationship was volatile. Biographies, such as *Carson the Magnificent*, suggest that Carson’s struggles with alcohol cast a shadow over their marriage. Their divorce in 1983 was a sensation, resulting in a reported $20 million settlement, which was one of the largest in history at the time.

Life After Carson:

Joanna Holland, who often went by the name Joanna Carson, became a dedicated philanthropist, particularly in the fight against AIDS. She was a major supporter of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) and continued to be active in the social and charitable circles of Malibu and Bel Air. In a significant and recent development, Joanna Holland passed away in July 2025 at the age of 93. Her death was publicly acknowledged by ETAF, highlighting her enduring charitable legacy.

4. Alexis Maas (1987–2005) - The Enduring Legacy

Alexis Maas is the only one of Carson’s wives who was married to him until his death, and she remains the guardian of his name and fortune through her philanthropic work.

Biography & Marriage:

• Born: 1952 (approximate date).
• Profession: Stockbroker and philanthropist.
• Marriage to Carson: 1987–2005 (until his death).
• Children: None together.

Alexis was significantly younger than Carson, but their relationship was noted for its stability and privacy, contrasting sharply with his previous marriages. They married in 1987 and remained together for 18 years, a period that included Carson’s retirement from *The Tonight Show* in 1992. She was widely considered his most loyal and private partner.

Life After Carson:

Today, Alexis Maas is the surviving widow and is the President of the Johnny Carson Foundation. This role is a pivotal one, as the Foundation continues Carson’s philanthropic mission, primarily supporting education, children’s services, and health programs. She has maintained the private lifestyle she shared with Carson, choosing to manage his legacy quietly and effectively, focusing on charitable work rather than public appearances.

The Lasting Impact of The Carson Wives on His Legacy

The four marriages of Johnny Carson offer a fascinating look at the evolution of a celebrity’s life and the women who navigated the intense spotlight with him. The stories of Jody, Joanne, Joanna, and Alexis are interwoven with the history of American late-night television, celebrity excess, and the quiet dignity of life after the fame. Jody Morrill Wolcott’s chapter represents the humble beginnings; Joanne Copeland’s, the initial burst of stardom and glamour; Joanna Holland’s, the high-stakes drama and wealth of peak celebrity; and Alexis Maas’s, the final, private peace and the enduring philanthropic legacy. The recent passing of Joanna Holland in 2025 serves as a fresh reminder of the human stories behind the legend, ensuring that the lives of the women who married the King of Late Night continue to be discussed and remembered for their own distinct contributions and challenges.