The late comic's 23-year-old daughter Birgen was invited by NBC to attend the special, which paid tribute to all the laugh-inducing legends who have graced the stage in Studio 8H over the last four decades.
Since her father's tragic death in 1998 -- when Birgen was just six -- the blonde stunner has kept a low profile, trading in Hollywood for a private life. But this event was one she just couldn't pass up.
"The 40th special was unbelievable. I'm so honored to have been invited, and to spend time with all of these people who knew and loved my father," Hartman tells toofab about the celebration.
"It was really special to see how they incorporated his memory into the show, too," Birgen continues. "It's just heartwarming for me to see, after all these years, that he is still remembered and admired."
"I can't praise Lorne enough for putting all of it together," she adds. "Everyone there worked so hard on this event and it really paid off; it was a great time!"
Hartman was remembered throughout the special on Sunday, with clips of his most famous moments popping up all night long. He was also honored during the In Memoriam segment, which was introduced by Bill Murray, and his audition for "SNL" was even shown during one of the special's best montages.
Click here to see the 10 Best Moments from the "SNL" Anniversary
