Comedy icon Carol Burnett is reportedly unwilling to forgive her daughter, Erin Hamilton, despite the 56-year-old’s claims of sobriety. Sources say Burnett, 91, is struggling to trust her daughter again after years of addiction and unpredictable behavior.
Hamilton, who lost custody of her son, Dylan, in 2020 due to her struggles with substance abuse, recently regained visitation rights after the now 18-year-old reached adulthood. However, a reunion with her mother appears unlikely.
A History of Addiction and Family Struggles
Burnett and her husband, Brian Miller, were awarded temporary custody of Dylan in 2020 after Hamilton was placed on a psychiatric hold. The legal petition filed at the time detailed her history of addiction, stating she had been in and out of rehab for nearly two decades, with multiple stays in treatment facilities.
Eventually, guardianship of Dylan was transferred to social welfare administrator Jodi Montgomery, known for her role as Britney Spears’ conservator. Hamilton was allowed visitation rights until a judge suspended them due to her erratic behavior.
After turning 18 last September, Dylan was free to reconnect with his mother. Since then, Hamilton claims she has been sober for 18 months and has cherished their renewed relationship. However, insiders reveal that Burnett remains skeptical.
Carol Burnett ‘Afraid of Being Let Down Again’
According to sources close to the family, Burnett is hesitant to let Hamilton back into her life, fearing another relapse could shatter the fragile peace she has maintained.
“Carol loves Erin deeply, but she’s broken her heart so many times over the years,” a friend of the comedian revealed. “She’s afraid of it blowing up in her face once again.”
Burnett has prioritized Dylan’s well-being over rekindling her relationship with her daughter. Even though Dylan is now an adult, Burnett reportedly remains wary of Hamilton’s past behavior.
The comedy legend’s fears are compounded by her history with addiction within the family. Her eldest daughter, Carrie Hamilton, also battled drug abuse before overcoming it—only to tragically pass away from lung and brain cancer in 2002 at age 38.
Will Carol Burnett and Erin Hamilton Ever Reconcile?
While Hamilton hopes to mend her relationship with her mother as part of her recovery process, Burnett remains reluctant.
“She’d rather stay estranged than have her heart broken again,” the insider shared.
Despite the strained relationship, Hamilton remains focused on her son’s success. Dylan, who now attends film school in New York City, has been a source of pride for his mother.
As Burnett continues to distance herself, it remains uncertain whether the mother and daughter will ever heal their fractured bond.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.