I just logged in to AOL upon my return home from Texas, only to learn that Johnny Carson died earlier today at age 79. I apologize if this is a dupe, but Johnny was a big enough influence on all our lives to deserve multiple threads.
Farewell, Johnny. And thanks for the laughs. - Wayne
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Late-Night Legend Dies at 79
Entertainer Reigned Over 'Tonight Show' for 30 YearsBy LYNN ELBER, AP
LOS ANGELES (Jan. 23) - Johnny Carson, the quick-witted "Tonight Show" host who became a national institution putting his viewers to bed for 30 years with a smooth nightcap of celebrity banter and heartland charm, died Sunday. He was 79.
Carson died early Sunday morning, according to his nephew, Jeff Sotzing. "He was surrounded by his family, whose loss will be immeasurable," Sotzing told The Associated Press.
He did not provide further details, but NBC said Carson died of emphysema at his Malibu home.
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http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/entertainment/article.adp?id=20050123140309990009(This link may only be available to AOL subscribers. Here's a link to Reuters.)
http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=659244