Whoopi Goldberg has candidly shared a unique tribute she paid to her late mother, Emma Johnson, revealing an unorthodox location for scattering her ashes. The Sister Act star, who lost her mother in 2010 following a stroke, recently published a memoir titled “My Mother, My Brother, and Me,” in honor of her mother and her late brother Clyde K. Johnson, who passed away in 2015.
In a heartfelt appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers on July 12, Goldberg opened up about the emotional journey that led to her mother’s final resting place. Reflecting on a special trip they took to Disneyland before Johnson’s death, Goldberg decided to return to the park to honor her mother’s memory in a way she believed would resonate with her.
Goldberg revealed that she discreetly scattered her mother’s ashes on the ride “It’s A Small World,” a beloved attraction that held sentimental value for them. She described the moment with a mix of humor and reverence, recounting how she pretended to sneeze while discreetly scattering the ashes. “No one should do this,” Goldberg cautioned, explaining her mother’s love for Disneyland and particularly the Small World ride. She shared how she scooped some of the ashes periodically during the ride, disguising the act as a series of sneezes.
After completing the tribute, Goldberg felt compelled to inform the park staff about her actions, ensuring that her tribute had not posed any safety risks. She admitted, “I wanted to make sure that I hadn’t done something that was dangerous because it hadn’t occurred to me. But there’s a reason they don’t want ashes just floating around.”
Whoopi Goldberg’s story highlights the deep connections we have with our loved ones and the unique ways we choose to honor their memory. Her heartfelt confession sheds light on the intimate and sometimes unconventional methods people employ to keep the memories of their loved ones alive.