Carol Burnett Honors Steve Lawrence, Who Appeared on Her Variety Show 39 Times and She Considered ‘Family’

Carol Burnett is mourning the loss of her friend and collaborator Steve Lawrence.

“Steve was one of my favorite guests on my show, he appeared 39 times. He was also a very close friend of mine…so close that I considered him ‘family’. He will always be in my heart,” wrote the comedian and former show host (90) alongside a black-and-white photo of them performing together at a young age.

Burnett shared a tribute on her Instagram account Thursday after news of Lawrence’s death broke. He was 88 years old.

Carol Burnett and Steve Lawrence; in 1969.

CBS Photo Archive/Getty

“What a talent. Rest now Steve,” Jane Lynch wrote in the comments section.

Fans also showed their support, with one writing: “Whenever I think of Steve Lawrence, I immediately think of your show. He was always a favorite guest. A great singer, and also great in skits. He and [Eydie] they were wonderful!! REST IN PEACE”

Tribute to celebrities who died in 2024

According to a press release, Lawrence’s death was caused by “complications of Alzheimer’s disease.” He was diagnosed in 2019.

At the time, in a letter obtained by PEOPLE, the Emmy and Grammy winner revealed his condition in an attempt to put to rest “numerous rumors and reporters who have been reaching out” to him.

Steve Lawrence. Andrew Toth/Getty

“I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and it is in the early stages. I am being medicated under the supervision of some of the best doctors in the area,” Lawrence wrote. “Fortunately, they managed to slow down this terrible process. I live my life, go out in public and try to spend as much time as possible with my family and friends while still being able to engage and enjoy myself.”

The New York native rose to fame as one half of the musical duo Steve and Eydie with his late wife Eydie Gormé.

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Burnett, Lynch, 63, and fans weren’t the only ones to reflect on his legacy on social media Thursday.

Family man Creator and star Seth MacFarlane also shared a tribute online.

“RIP Steve Lawrence— This guy has been my musical hero for years. His light baritone and superb phrasing made the most difficult songs sound easy,” the animator, 50, chirped on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Steve Lawrence. CBS/Getty

His post included archival footage of the late entertainer performing “On A Clear Day You Can See Forever.”

Throughout Lawrence’s career, he also topped Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart in 1963 before doing the same in 1971.

He is survived by his son David, daughter-in-law Faye, granddaughter Mabel, brother Bernie and extended family members.

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