Iowa fans of the old “Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson are disappointed by a turn of events. Ed McMahon, Carson’s sidekick for three decades, was to have been in Corning today (Thursday) to take part in the dedication of the Johnny Carson Birthplace. Beth Waddel, executive director of the Adams Community Economic Development Corporation, says those plans were quashed with a phone call last night (Wednesday).
Waddel says McMahon is ill and will not be able to fly in for the dedication. All events have been canceled and will be rescheduled for a date to be determined. Waddel says McMahon’s representatives didn’t say what type of illness has befallen him. She has anyone who has purchased tickets for tonight’s special reception or speaking engagement have a couple of options.
Tickets can be held until they determine what the new date is and then they will call you, or, they can refund the tickets now. For more information, call (641) 322-3212. While disappointed by the news, Waddel remained optimistic about the future of the event in Corning. She says they wish McMahon all the best, and, “We’re from Corning and we make the best out of everything and we’ll make the best out of this.” The event was also to mark the formation of the Johnny Carson Birthplace Society. McMahon’s appearance was to be a fundraiser to preserve the small house in Corning where Carson was born in 1925.