Chris Carson, Johnny Carson's Son, Dies at 74

Christopher 'Chris' Carson, also known as 'Kit' to friends and family, was the eldest son of late-night host Johnny Carson and died earlier this year at the age of 74. His passing was announced by Howard Smith, Johnny Carson’s longtime friend, on the 'Nostalgia Tonight' podcast hosted by Joe Sibilia, after hearing the news from Johnny’s nephew, Jeff Sotzing. Chris lived a private life in Florida, working as a golf instructor and avidly playing the sport. He was briefly in the public eye due to a custody battle in the 1980s. Chris was the first of three sons Johnny Carson had with his first wife, Joan 'Jody' Morrill Wolcott; his brother Rick died in 1991, and his youngest brother Cory remains alive but stays out of the spotlight. The cause of Chris's death was not disclosed.