Honestly, it feels like Carol Burnett has been part of the American family forever. We’ve watched her tug her ear for decades, a silent "hello" to her grandmother that became one of the most iconic gestures in television history. But while her professional life is a literal open book of variety sketches and curtain-rod dresses, people are constantly asking: is Carol Burnett married right now?
The short answer? Yes. She is.
She’s actually been married to the same man since 2001. That’s over two decades of a quiet, supportive partnership that usually flies under the radar because, well, they aren't exactly out there chasing the paparazzi. Her husband is Brian Miller, a musician and contractor who’s been her rock through some of the highest and lowest points of her later life.
The Man Behind the Legend: Who is Brian Miller?
When people find out about Carol’s marriage, the first thing they usually notice is the age gap. Brian is about 23 years younger than Carol.
In a world obsessed with Hollywood tropes, that usually gets a few raised eyebrows. But if you’ve ever heard Carol talk about it, she shuts that down with her trademark wit. She’s famously joked that as they get older, the gap narrows. It’s not a big deal to them. It’s never been.
A Partnership Built on Music
Brian isn't just "the husband." He’s a heavyweight in the music world. He’s a drummer by trade but spends much of his time as a music contractor for massive venues like the Hollywood Bowl and the Hollywood Pantages Theatre.
Think about the logistical nightmare of putting together an orchestra or a touring cast for a show like Hamilton. That’s Brian’s world.
The two actually met back in the 90s when Carol was performing in Long Beach. They did the long-distance thing for a bit, dated for a few years, and then quietly tied the knot in November 2001. No massive media circus. No televised wedding special. Just two people who really liked each other’s company.
Why the Question "Is Carol Burnett Married" Keeps Popping Up
The reason this remains a top search query is likely because Carol’s previous marriages were so public. She’s been married three times in total, and each era of her life looks a little different.
- Don Saroyan (1955–1962): This was the college sweetheart phase. They moved to New York together with a $1,000 loan from a mysterious benefactor. It was the "struggling artist" years.
- Joe Hamilton (1963–1984): This was the powerhouse era. Joe was the producer of The Carol Burnett Show. They were a professional and personal team that dominated the ratings. They had three daughters together: Carrie, Jody, and Erin.
- Brian Miller (2001–Present): The "companion" era. This marriage has been about stability and shared love for the arts.
The Tragedy That Tested Everything
Just two months after Carol and Brian got married in 2001, Carol’s oldest daughter, Carrie Hamilton, passed away from pneumonia as a complication of lung cancer. She was only 38.
Imagine being a newlywed and facing the absolute worst thing a parent can go through. Carol has credited Brian with being her anchor during that time. He didn't just stand by her; he helped her finish the play she and Carrie had been writing together, Hollywood Arms.
What Most People Get Wrong About Their Dynamic
There’s this weird assumption that because Carol is a "legend," her husband must just be a fan or a bystander. It’s actually the opposite. Brian is deeply involved in her legacy.
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When NBC aired the 90 Years of Laughter + Love special in 2023, guess who was an executive producer? Brian Miller. He’s also been the music contractor for her anniversary specials. They work together, but they don't perform together, which seems to be the secret sauce for their longevity.
Guardian Duties
In 2020, the couple made headlines for a very personal reason. They petitioned for legal guardianship of Carol’s grandson, Dylan.
This wasn't some celebrity whim. Carol’s daughter Erin had been struggling with substance abuse issues for a long time. Carol and Brian stepped up to provide Dylan with a stable environment. Even though Brian isn't Dylan’s biological grandfather, the court documents at the time were very clear: he loves the boy like his own.
It’s a side of Carol we don’t see on the variety stage—the fierce protector of her family. And Brian has been right there in the trenches with her.
Life in 2026: Are They Still Together?
As of early 2026, the couple is still going strong. Carol recently turned 92, and while she’s dropped some hints about retirement (calling her role in Palm Royale her "last hurrah"), she’s not doing it alone.
You’ll still see Brian by her side at events like the AFI Awards or the occasional red carpet. They live a relatively quiet life between Honolulu, Santa Fe, and Los Angeles.
Is Carol Burnett married? Yes. And honestly, it seems like she found exactly what she needed for the second half of her life: someone who isn't intimidated by her fame, someone who shares her rhythm, and someone who knows how to keep the music playing when things get quiet.
Key Takeaways for Fans
If you’re looking to follow Carol’s lead on long-term happiness, here’s the "Burnett Blueprint" based on her marriage to Brian:
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- Shared Passions: You don't have to do the same job, but valuing the same things (like music and theatre) keeps the conversation going.
- Support Through Grief: A partner’s true value shows up in the "hell" years, not just the award show years.
- Ignore the "Gap": If the communication is there, the age on a birth certificate doesn't mean much.
- Privacy is Power: You don't have to post every dinner date to have a successful relationship.
If you want to see Carol in action, your best bet is catching the second season of Palm Royale on Apple TV+. It's a masterclass in comic timing from a woman who clearly has a very happy home life to return to when the cameras stop rolling.