There was a good reason Johnny Carson was revered as the king of late night for so many years. He was hospitable, funny, and a master of small talk.
On February 3, 1988, however, an elderly guy who was the oldest farmer in Illinois at the time appeared on The Tonight Show. Merritt Heaton was his given name.
In little time at all, the 97-year-old farmer becomes the center of attention.Following this, Johnny inquires as to the source of Merritt’s original reluctance to show up.
The old farmer claims fear, but Johnny counters that the farmer has likely gone through ‘ten or twelve world wars.’Rapidly becoming more at ease, Merritt begins to laugh and chat.
After that, Merritt and Johnny talk about the culture of coffee shops, with the old farmer outlining the political and agricultural discussions that take place there.
Johnny, still incredulous that Heaton is still working on a farm at his age, then inquires as to what kind of job is involved in working on a farm.
Heaton’s son, who was 78 at the time, is now the company’s CEO.When asked what has altered his farm the most, he said. According to Merritt, it was the electricity.
The subject of Mr. Heaton’s romantic life quickly becomes the main topic of discussion.
Even though Merritt freely says he can’t dance, he seems to have his romantic life worked out. This 97-year-old man was married for 64 years until his wife passed away.
Johnny then questions the man about his successful marriage after admitting that he has a bad history with women.
Heaton continues by lamenting the state of women today, remarking that he would have been content to see an ankle in his day.
He has found great fulfillment in his personal relationships. There are two women in his life.
The 97-year-old guy has two, one in California and one back in his native Illinois.
While the farmer tells his life story, Johnny and Merritt have a charming back-and-forth, swapping quips with one another.
Even ‘country free delivery’ and its novelty to him as a kid were mentioned. Such a sight would have been fascinating!
Since his father lived in a time before telephones, televisions, and the internet,
he had to rely on a far more exciting source to inform him about the killing of President William McKinley in September 1901.
Johnny quickly draws the conversation to a close with Merritt, and the old farmer thanks him before departing.
After the commercial break, the legendary country music singer Ray Stevens was prepared to perform. Johnny, though, invites Merritt back with his California sweetheart, Peggy Taylor, for a brief meeting.
Johnny admits that he, too, had dated a Peggy Taylor in the past.
After appearing on The Tonight Show in April 1988, Merritt Heaton passed suddenly in May of the same year. His wife, who had preceded him in death by 17 years, was buried beside him.