As 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Johnny Carson’s passing, a new memoir offers an unprecedented glimpse into the private life of the late-night legendary icon.

Johnny Carson's final days shared by close friend in touching memoir | Fox News

In “My Friend Johnny: The Last 20 Years of a Beautiful Life with Johnny Carson and Friends,” released June 10, author and retired tech mogul Howard Smith shares the deeply personal story of his two-decade friendship with the man behind the desk of “The Tonight Show” — revealing Carson not as a celebrity, but as “John,” a kind and loyal neighbor who became one of his closest friends.

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To the world, he was Johnny Carson. To Smith, he was simply “John” — a kind, humble, quick-witted neighbor who loved tennis, quiet dinners and meaningful conversation.

The two met in Malibu and formed a 20-year bond rooted in trust, laughter and companionship, far from the limelight.

In “My Friend Johnny,” Smith recounts stories of their private moments together, offering a side of Carson few ever saw.

“I wrote this book to honor my dear friend — someone I considered a great human being,” Smith shared in a news release. “Just 16 days before he passed, Johnny Carson told my wife, Jane, and me that he loved us. I’m humbled to share his legacy with you, and I hope you find as much joy in these memories as I did living them.”

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Alongside their memories, Smith shares tales from his own life, starting from a humble Detroit upbringing to running one of the world’s largest software companies, surviving a heart attack and retiring early after a life-changing pep talk from L.A. Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda.

Smith is a part-time resident of Gozzer Ranch in North Idaho. He splits time between Idaho and Florida with a main residence in Malibu.