[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 901]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                             JOHNNY CARSON

  Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Mr. President, thank you for the opportunity 
to speak today about a fellow Nebraskan who not only gave back to his 
State, but gave much more in ways of laughter to all of America. I am 
speaking of Johnny Carson, beloved by his family and friends, cherished 
by fans, and respected by his fellow comedians. Johnny Carson was a man 
whose comedic talent always looked effortless, yet set the highest of 
standards for his performances. Mr. Carson passed away at the age of 
79.
  Mr. Carson took over the ``Tonight Show'' in 1962, and preferring to 
retire at the top of his game, voluntarily stepped down in 1992. For 30 
years, Johnny Carson tucked Americans into their beds all the while 
making them laugh before they shut their eyes to sleep. Between 10 to 
15 million people watched Johnny deliver his hilarious monologue each 
night.
  Mr. Carson should be honored not only for all the laughter he brought 
to so many American homes, but also all that he brought to his 
hometown, Norfolk, NE. Johnny Carson was and will remain Nebraska's 
favorite native son. He always remembered his roots, and often made 
visits home to ``give back'' to his humble, rural community which he 
loved. There is no question that all of Norfolk loved him back. He was 
a philanthropist, a father, a son and to most, a cherished nightly 
friend.
  Mr. Carson shielded his political views as carefully as he did his 
private life, insisting that the only message of his show was 
entertainment. Johnny Carson is a man that could bring people together, 
regardless of political or religious affiliation, regardless of race or 
gender; he was a man of character. He will be remembered and recognized 
today and always as a man who gave his all and never forgot the few.

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