As Carol Burnett nears her 90th birthday, she reflects on a life filled with remarkable achievements and deep personal loss, particularly the passing of her daughter, Carrie Hamilton, in 2002. Despite her many career milestones, the memory of Carrie remains a constant presence in her life.

In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Burnett shared, “There’s not a day or almost a moment goes by that she’s not with me.” She cherishes the moments they spent together, both the laughter and the tears. Carrie, who was an actress, appeared in the Fame TV series and films like Tokyo Pop and Shag. The two also worked together on an episode of Carol & Company in 1990 and co-wrote a play titled Hollywood Arms, inspired by Burnett’s childhood memoir.

Carrie’s battle with drug addiction and subsequent diagnosis of cancer in 2002 marked a challenging time for both mother and daughter. The cancer, which had spread from her lungs to her brain, claimed Carrie’s life in January 2003, when she was just 38 years old.

Burnett vividly remembers visiting Carrie daily during her illness and was deeply moved by how her daughter’s positive spirit affected the hospital staff. When asked about her optimistic outlook, Carrie simply said, “Every day I wake up and decide.” This perspective left a lasting impact on Burnett.

As she approaches this milestone birthday, Burnett continues to carry her daughter’s wisdom with her: “I say that to myself every morning.” She has learned to value each day, understanding how quickly life can change. With this in mind, she reminds us all to be grateful for the present and to take life one day at a time.