The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson Season 19 Episode 17 Joan Rivers (guest host), Minnie Pearl

Joan Rivers takes over as guest host for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson season 19 episode 17, welcoming country music legend Minnie Pearl to the show. Rivers begins the episode by lamenting the loss of her dear friend Elizabeth Taylor and reminiscing about their time together. She then introduces Minnie Pearl, who brings her signature humor and charm to the stage.

Pearl discusses her early career in country music and shares anecdotes about working with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Hank Williams and Elvis Presley. She also talks about her iconic hat, which she explains was a way of making herself stand out from the male performers in the male-dominated field of country music.

Rivers and Pearl share a lively discussion about the challenges of being a woman in the entertainment industry and the importance of perseverance and hard work. They also touch on more lighthearted topics such as fashion and beauty, with Pearl confessing to being a fan of jewelry and makeup.

The episode includes several comedic segments, including a skit in which Rivers and Pearl play a pair of old ladies reminiscing about their youth. They also participate in a mock beauty pageant, with Rivers donning a green wig and Pearl sporting a crown made of soda cans.

Accompanying Pearl on the show is country singer George Hamilton IV, who performs several of his hit songs, including "Abilene" and "Break My Mind." Rivers and Pearl also take part in a segment in which they sing a duet, showcasing their impressive vocal abilities and entertaining the audience with their wit and humor.

Throughout the episode, Rivers proves herself to be a capable and engaging host, skillfully guiding the conversation and bringing out the best in her guests. Her chemistry with Pearl is particularly enjoyable, with the two women sharing a warm and easy rapport that makes for delightful viewing.

In the end, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson season 19 episode 17 is a fun and entertaining installment of the long-running series, with Rivers and Pearl delivering plenty of laughs and insights into the world of entertainment. Fans of classic talk shows and country music alike are sure to enjoy this charming and engaging episode.