Carol Burnett recently opened up about the touching bond she shared with Lucille Ball and the poignant birthday gift she received from the legendary comedian on the day of her passing.

In the upcoming Shout TV! special *The Carol Burnett Show: Mother of all Marathons*, Burnett, now 92, recalls how Ball profoundly influenced her career.

“Lucille Ball was the woman who influenced me the most,” Burnett says in a preview. She also shared how Ball attended her first Broadway performance in *Once Upon a Mattress*, providing her with invaluable support.

The two quickly formed a friendship after a heartfelt conversation backstage, where Ball offered advice and promised to be there for Burnett whenever needed.

Their connection continued to grow, with Burnett calling on Ball for a major favor when *The Carol Burnett Show* was offered to her in 1967. Ball graciously appeared on the show, marking the beginning of their ongoing professional and personal relationship.

However, in 1989, Burnett faced a bittersweet moment when Ball passed away on Burnett’s 56th birthday.

Despite the tragedy, Burnett still received a bouquet of flowers from Ball that afternoon, with a message reading, “Happy birthday, kid.”

Burnett reflects on this special relationship while continuing to work on her final project, *Palm Royale* for Apple TV+.