A Quiet Love Story That Spans Decades
Carol Burnett and her husband, Brian Miller, have shared a low-profile yet strong bond for over 20 years. He once motivated her to finish a project she had started with her daughter before her daughter passed away. Later, he stepped up again—this time becoming a legal guardian to Carol’s grandson during a family emergency.
A Marriage That Began Quietly
Carol’s third marriage didn’t make headlines at first. But it quickly became a grounding force in her life. Brian Miller, 23 years younger, entered Carol’s world during a season of major change. Just weeks after they tied the knot, a family tragedy struck. That moment revealed the quiet strength Brian would continue to offer.
Over time, his role grew. He stood by Carol during a creative project shaped by grief. Later, he supported her through a legal process to care for her grandson. Though their love story stayed mostly out of view, it proved essential in the moments that mattered most.
Carol Burnett and Brian Miller at the Carol Burnett Hand and Footprint in Cement Ceremony on June 20, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
From Stardom to Second Chances
Born on April 26, 1933, Carol Burnett became a household name thanks to The Carol Burnett Show. Before Brian, she had gone through two marriages and raised three daughters.
Her first husband, actor Don Saroyan, married her in 1955. They divorced in 1962. Don later passed away in 1990.
Soon after, Carol wed TV producer Joe Hamilton in 1963. Joe fathered her daughters Carrie, Jody, and Erin. That marriage ended in divorce too. Joe died in 1991.
A Chance Meeting with Brian
Carol met Brian in the late 1990s in Long Beach, California, where he worked as the principal drummer for the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. Their romance began quietly.
They married in 2001—Carol was 68, and Brian was 45. About the age gap, Carol once said, “He’s funny and not easily intimidated… As we get older, the gap narrows.”
She jokingly called herself “a cougar” and described Brian as a “throwback” with a great sense of humor and a thriving career. Their connection, built on shared interests, grew into a joyful partnership.
Carrie Hamilton: Addiction, Recovery, and Legacy
Carol’s eldest daughter, Carrie, battled addiction as a teen. After three rehab attempts, she got sober at 17. Carol once said, “I had to love her enough to let her hate me.”
Following recovery, Carrie pursued acting and writing. She worked with her mom on several productions and starred in Fame. Together, they adapted Carol’s memoir One More Time into a stage play, Hollywood Arms.
Carrie was known for her empathy. She once gave homeless people money in exchange for their stories—later turning those stories into art.
Brian Miller and Carol Burnett pose at the opening night of “Tootsie” on April 23, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Love and Loss: Just Married, Then Grieving
Carol and Brian married on November 24, 2001. Just two months later, on January 20, 2002, Carrie died at 38 from pneumonia linked to lung cancer that spread to her brain.
Grief paralyzed Carol. But Brian pushed her to keep going. “You owe this to Carrie and to Hal [Prince],” he told her.
She and Brian flew to Chicago for the play’s preview. On the flight, Carol whispered a prayer to Carrie. At their hotel, they found a bouquet of bird-of-paradise—Carrie’s favorite flower and her tattoo.
That evening, they were gifted a bottle of champagne labeled “Louise”—Carrie’s middle name and also Carol’s mother’s name. On opening night, it rained. “Carrie and I were nuts for the rain,” Carol recalled. Those signs comforted her—and so did Brian, who never left her side.
Simple Joys and a Quiet Life Together
Over the years, Carol and Brian kept a peaceful routine. “We do crossword puzzles. We read. We walk. We watch TV. We have a cat named Nikki,” Carol shared.
They rewatched Singin’ in the Rain often. Carol knew it by heart. They also enjoyed watching the news, favoring Jake Tapper, Rachel Maddow, and Randy Rainbow.
One rare public outing happened in May 2022 when they celebrated Mother’s Day in Montecito. An onlooker said, “Carol was laser-focused on Brian. They sang show tunes together while waiting for their meal—it was adorable.”
She held his arm as they walked slowly to the valet.
Standing Together During a Family Crisis
In August 2020, Carol and Brian took on a serious responsibility. They filed a petition to become temporary legal guardians for Carol’s grandson. His mother—Carol’s daughter Erin—struggled with substance abuse, and the couple stepped in to ensure the boy’s well-being.
