TV Legend Johnny Carson dead at 79 (moved from ATSNN), page 1

Johnny Carson who was the host of the "Tonight Show". died in his sleep at home, his nephew said. He suffered from a lung disease,caused from smoking. He was a great host and gave many comedians their start in the business. His sidekick on the show was Ed Mac Maahon/ David Letterman had a panic attack after hearing the news.

(CNN) -- Johnny Carson, host of NBC's "The Tonight Show" for nearly 30 years, died Sunday of emphysema.

"He passed away this morning," Carson's nephew, Jeffrey Sotzing, told CNN."He passed away this morning," Carson's nephew, Jeffrey Sotzing, told CNN.

Carson, a longtime smoker, was 79 and had announced in 2002 that he was suffering from the disease.

Carson was host of the late-night talk show from October 1, 1962, to May 22, 1992, taking over from Jack Paar and handing off to Jay Leno.

"The Carson show changed your life," comedian Joan Rivers said. "If Carson liked you, you were set. He got the bright comics. He picked the ones who were different, who were smart."

Born John William Carson on October 23, 1925, in Corning, Iowa, he is survived by his fourth wife, Alexis, and sons Christopher and Cory from his first marriage, to Joan "Jody" Wolcott. Another son, Richard, died in a car accident in 1991.

Despite decades on television, Carson was never open publicly with the details of his personal life.

Carson, a longtime smoker, was 79 and had announced in 2002 that he was suffering from the disease.

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Johnny Carson was a memorable talk sshow host. He always made you laugh, with his zany characters, and always gave the spotlight to unknown comedians and young children known for their special talent, although they were not in show business. He was always thought to give his seat to David Letterman, but surprised everyone when he picked a young unknown comedian called Jay Leno, known for his long chin. He never spent his days with famous actors, or tried to appear in magazines, instead he kept to himself, as he always has, he was a very private man in his life. I expect he is being announced now, with St. Peter saying "Here's Johnny!"

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