LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) – Johnny Carson’s foundation is donating more than $571,000 for renovations at the theater named in his honor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  The University of Nebraska Foundation on Friday announced the gift from the John W. Carson Foundation.

The project includes a redesigned entrance and lobby and a new theater floor. The theater is used for smaller productions, rehearsals, receptions and UNL dance classes. It can accommodate up to 250 people.

Carson was the longtime host of television’s “The Tonight Show.” He was born in Corning, Iowa, grew up in Norfolk, Neb., and attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He died in California in 2005.