A close friend of the late Johnny Carson, has revealed that Christopher Carson, the eldest son of the legendary TV host, has passed away at the age of 74 earlier this year.

According to Howard Smith, a friend of the Carson family, Chris died earlier this year, and he only learned about it recently from Johnny's nephew, Jeff Sotzing. Smith recalled that he had been trying to keep in touch with Chris after Johnny's passing in 2005.

Smith shared that he had a special bond with him, particularly when it came to golf trips. Chris was an avid golfer, and Johnny would often join them on golf trips just to watch his son play. Smith remembered Chris as a kind person who would often bring his golf clubs whenever he visited.

Chris is survived by his younger brother, Cory, who is still alive but has kept a low profile. The Carson family has always maintained a private life, with Johnny's nephew, Jeff Sotzing, that sharing memories with the public "would be the last thing Johnny would want any of us to do."

Chris made headlines in the 1980s after he and his long-term girlfriend, Tanena Love Green, welcomed a daughter, Christal Love Carson. They split shortly after and went through a very public court battle over child support.

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