Carol Johnson: The Untold Story Of Brian Johnson’s First Wife

Carol Johnson might not be as well-known as her rockstar ex-husband, AC/DC’s Brian Johnson, but she was a vital part of his life during some of the band’s most pivotal years. From modest origins to the rock-turbulence of fame, Carol was a steadfast partner and mother who kept things intact as Brian ascended to global superstardom. Though she has chosen to lead a modest life outside of the spotlight, her story is worthy of being told with the same fervor as any rock ballad.
This article uncovers Carol Johnson’s life—her background, her affair with Brian Johnson, and what followed their divorce. We cover her upbringing, their domestic life, how she encouraged Brian through his early career, and what we know about her life today. As readers learn of the woman who stands behind the iconic frontman, they’ll enjoy even more the backstage forces behind making legends happen.

Quick Bio

Who Is Carol Johnson?

Carol Johnson is better known as Brian Johnson’s first wife, the frontman of the legendary Australian rock group AC/DC. The two met in 1966, and they were married by 1968. They stayed together for 22 years, during which time they had two daughters—Joanne, who was born the same year as their marriage, and Kala, born in 1973. Through those years, Carol was the steady presence in Brian’s life while he navigated the excesses of rock and roll.

While Brian shook stadiums and hit the top charts with AC/DC, Carol maintained a low profile, opting for life beyond spotlight cameras and magazine headlines. Her steady presence during Brian’s transformation from small shows to global tours provided stability in the family. Though their names are not even mentioned together these days, Carol’s influence on Brian’s early success cannot be denied.

Early Life

Very little is known regarding Carol Johnson’s past life, as she has long valued her privacy. Public records and interviews rarely mention her childhood, education, or upbringing. This lack of information adds to her mystique, as if she never desired fame or attention from the general public. It is likely that Carol’s practicality and even temper helped her in a relationship with so much media glare and nauseating tour schedules.

What we do know is that Carol met Brian at a pivotal moment in his early adulthood. He was at the time just finding his place in the world of music, taking on odd jobs and gigs in local groups. His romance with Carol was described as being instant and fundamental. As Brian’s luck began to change, Carol was always there as a rock-steady and supportive girlfriend. She was along for the ride before the recording deals and global fame ever materialized.

Career Beginning

Carol Johnson didn’t pursue a celebrity career of her own, at least not publicly. Rather, she focused on raising Brian and their children and keeping the home fires burning while living in the background of the rock music world. Her career as a homemaker and mother might seem antiquated, but it was the foundation. Taking care of the home on the AC/DC’s brutal touring schedule left Carol often holding the bag alone.

When Brian was called in to replace AC/DC in 1980 following Bon Scott’s fatal death, life was transformed. Carol’s life changed too—from relative anonymity to belonging to one of the most electrically charged rock bands ever. The album Back in Black, the group’s first with Brian on lead vocals, was a turning point. The album sold over 50 million copies, and with it came relentless touring, interviews, and criticism. Carol remained the rock at home throughout those transition years.

Who Is Carol Johnson’s Ex-Husband?

Born on October 5, 1947, in Dunston, England, Brian Johnson rose to fame as AC/DC’s lead vocalist when he joined the group in 1980. Renowned for his distinctive raspy voice, energetic live performance, and signature cap, Brian became a rock superstar overnight. His debut album with the band, Back in Black, ranks among best-selling albums of all time. In the next several decades, he helped cement AC/DC as one of history’s greatest commercially successful rock bands.

Carol and Brian were together for more than two decades, surviving the roller coasters of celebrity and family life. But in 1990, they divorced. While the whys of their divorce remain under wraps, it’s suspected that the tension and constant pressures of Brian’s line of work may have had something to do with it. Even so, Carol remained in touch with Brian via the girls. Brian was later remarried, while Carol remained living out of the spotlight.

Carol Johnson’s Physical Appearance

Public photos of Carol Johnson with Brian portray her as a down-to-earth, elegant, and poised lady. In the 1970s and 1980s, she wore the subtle fashion of the times—most commonly in casual but elegant dresses and tops paired with simple hairdos. She radiated an atmosphere of calm, refinement, which contrasted with the free-wheeling rock culture lifestyle.

In subsequent years, there have been hardly any photos of Carol since she avoids making public appearances and using social media. Stepping away from the limelight has left only her older photos from her romance with Brian for her fans to see. Although there is no visual proof, contemporaries speak of a gentle, strong woman whose dignity and fidelity left an indelible mark.

Net Worth

Carol Johnson’s net worth is not publicly recorded, and it’s not known what financial settlements she received from her divorce from Brian Johnson. But given her decade-long marriage to a world-famous rock star, it’s likely she received an equitable portion of financial aid or holdings as part of their settlement. Brian’s net worth is approximately $90 million, and Carol was in his life when the band was at its most profitable years.

Even though Carol might not have lived an extravagant life, she must be in some economic comfort now. Without becoming a celebrity in business, she has never spoken about business transactions or endorsements. She continues to live her life focused on her family and privacy, not fame or possessions.

Future Prospects and Vision 

Carol Johnson’s present activities are unknown, but it is certain she is living her life on her own terms. With her children grown up and her involvement in the music scene far past her, she might be dealing with health, family, or hobbies outside the public eye. There is no sign she will be writing a memoir or appearing in the media, although fans of AC/DC would certainly be interested.

If Carol ever chose to come forward and share her tale, it would be a glimpse into the private life of the wife of a rock star—of faith, forbearance, and inner fortitude. For now, she continues to enjoy her serene anonymous life, filled with grace and dignity above the turmoil of fame.