The Four Wives Of Johnny Carson: Where Are They Now? (Updated 2025)

Few figures in television history commanded the stage and the public's fascination quite like Johnny Carson. The legendary host of The Tonight Show for three decades was an icon of American late-night television, yet his private life—particularly his four marriages—was often as compelling and scrutinized as his on-air interviews. His journey through matrimony, marked by a curious pattern of wives with similar names, spanned from his college years to his quiet retirement.

This deep dive into the lives of the women who married the "King of Late Night" provides the most current information available, including the very recent passing of his third wife, Joanna Carson, in July 2025. It reveals how each woman shaped his life, the dramatic end of their unions, and what became of them after they left the spotlight, with his final wife, Alexis Maas, continuing his philanthropic legacy today.

The Complete Biography of Johnny Carson

John William "Johnny" Carson (October 23, 1925 – January 23, 2005) was an American television host, comedian, writer, and producer. His career defined late-night television for a generation, transforming The Tonight Show into a cultural institution. His personal life, however, was a tumultuous counterpoint to his calm, witty on-screen persona.

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• Born: October 23, 1925, in Corning, Iowa
• Died: January 23, 2005, in Malibu, California (Age 79) from emphysema.
• Education: Graduated from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
• Career Highlight: Host of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962–1992).
• Wives: Four—Joan "Jody" Wolcott, Joanne Copeland, Joanna Holland, and Alexis Maas.
• Children: Three sons (Chris, Rick, and Cory) from his first marriage.

The Four Women Who Defined Late-Night Royalty

Johnny Carson's four marriages were sequential and often overlapped with major career milestones. The quick succession of his first three wives—Joan, Joanne, and Joanna—even became a running joke for fellow comedians like Bob Newhart. While each relationship ended in divorce, his final marriage to Alexis Maas lasted until his death.

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

Jody Wolcott was Johnny Carson's first wife and the mother of his three sons. Their relationship began in their college years at the University of Nebraska, where they married in 1949. This period coincided with Carson's early career, including his time in the Navy and his initial forays into local radio and television.

The couple had three sons: Christopher, Richard (Rick), and Cory. The marriage lasted 14 years, ending in a divorce in 1963, just as Carson was ascending to national stardom with The Tonight Show. Following the end of the marriage, Jody Wolcott retreated completely from the public eye, choosing a quiet, private life away from the Hollywood scrutiny that consumed her ex-husband. She remains a fiercely private figure, prioritizing her life outside of the entertainment industry.

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2. Joanne Copeland (1963–1972)

Carson’s second marriage to Joanne Copeland began in 1963, shortly after his divorce from Jody. Joanne, often referred to as Joanne Carson, was a model and former stewardess. This marriage took place during the early, explosive years of Carson's run on The Tonight Show, a time of immense professional success and personal turmoil.

Their nine-year marriage was reportedly strained by Carson’s rising fame and demanding schedule. The divorce in 1972 was described as "grueling" and highly publicized, setting a pattern for the financial and emotional toll his subsequent divorces would take. After their split, Joanne remained a socialite and was known for her close friendship with Truman Capote. She died in 2015 at the age of 83 in Southern California.

3. Joanna Holland (1972–1985)

The third wife, Joanna Holland (often referred to as Joanna Carson), was a glamorous former model whom Johnny married in 1972. Their relationship was one of high-profile Hollywood glamour, with Joanna often seen accompanying Carson to major events. Their marriage lasted 13 years, ending in 1985.

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The divorce from Joanna was particularly infamous, resulting in one of the largest settlements of the time, estimated to be around $20 million. The size of the settlement became a frequent source of self-deprecating humor in Carson's monologues, famously quipping about the cost of his "mistakes."

Fresh Update: Joanna Carson’s Death in July 2025

In a recent and significant update, Joanna Carson passed away in July 2025 at the age of 93. Her death was acknowledged by close friends and philanthropic organizations, including the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, which paid tribute to her as a dear friend and supporter. This news provides a final chapter to the life of the woman whose high-profile divorce became a permanent part of the Carson legend.

4. Alexis Maas (1987–2005)

Alexis Maas is the only woman who was married to Johnny Carson until his death. The pair met in the 1980s and married in 1987, five years before his retirement from The Tonight Show. Alexis, a former stockbroker, was significantly younger than Carson, and their marriage represented a shift toward a quieter, more private life for the legendary host.

Their relationship was characterized by a shared love of sailing and a desire for distance from the Hollywood frenzy. Alexis provided Carson with a stable and private sanctuary during his retirement years and through his final battle with emphysema. The marriage lasted 18 years, making it his longest union.

The Legacy of Love and Loss: Carson's Children and Final Years

While Johnny Carson had four wives, he only had children with his first wife, Jody Wolcott. Their three sons—Chris, Rick, and Cory—were a central, albeit often private, part of his life.

• Christopher Carson: The eldest son, Christopher, has maintained a private life.
• Richard "Rick" Carson (1952–1991): Tragically, Rick Carson, a professional photographer, was killed in a car accident in 1991. His death was a devastating blow to Carson, who took time off from The Tonight Show and later paid an emotional, on-air tribute to his son. This loss profoundly affected his later years.
• Cory Carson: The youngest son, Cory, has also largely stayed out of the public spotlight.

Following his death in 2005, Carson's estate was primarily divided between his surviving sons (Chris and Cory) and his widow, Alexis Maas.

Alexis Maas Today: President of the Johnny Carson Foundation

Alexis Maas has remained a steadfast guardian of Carson's legacy. Unlike his previous wives, she has not remarried and continues to live a highly private life, shunning the media attention that defined her husband's career.

Her primary public role today is as the president of the Johnny Carson Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to supporting various causes, including education and children’s health, ensuring that Carson's massive fortune continues to contribute to philanthropic endeavors. Her dedication to the foundation highlights her commitment to honoring his memory through charitable work, rather than seeking personal fame.

The Enduring Entities of the Carson Dynasty

The story of Johnny Carson and his wives is a complex narrative woven through the history of American media. The intertwining lives of these five individuals—Johnny Carson, Joan "Jody" Wolcott, Joanne Carson, Joanna Carson (née Holland), and Alexis Maas—created a dynasty that touched on key cultural entities and themes of the 20th and 21st centuries, including the rise of the late-night host as a celebrity, the tumultuous nature of Hollywood relationships, and the quiet power of philanthropy. The recent passing of Joanna Carson in 2025 serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring, yet finite, nature of the lives connected to this television giant.