Johnny Carson was “like a brother to me,” Ed McMahon told the Associated Press.

McMahon was Carson’s sidekick and announcer on The Tonight Show during the 30 years Carson hosted.

Carson passed away Sunday morning due to emphysema, a disease linked to smoking.

“I thought they were treating the emphysema problem with medication. It was a total shock and surprise to me,” said McMahon, who introduced Carson nightly by saying “Here’s Johnny!”

McMahon is not surprised that Carson asked for no memorial service.

“The final arrangements are: You put on your hat, the door closes, it’s over.”

McMahon will appear on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Monday during a tribute to Carson.






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