Karen Carpenter was one of the most iconic singers of the 1970s, known for her smooth, melodic voice and heartfelt lyrics. Unfortunately, her life was cut tragically short when she died on February 4, 1983, at the age of just 32.
Carpenter’s last public appearance was just weeks before her death, at a promotional photo shoot for the 25th annual Grammy Awards. The photo, taken on January 11, 1983, shows Carpenter looking thin and frail, leading many to speculate about her health.
In the years leading up to her death, Carpenter had struggled with anorexia nervosa, a serious eating disorder that can have severe physical and psychological effects. She had sought treatment for the disorder, but it had taken a toll on her body and her career. Carpenter’s weight loss had become increasingly noticeable to her fans, and her struggles with anorexia had become a public topic of conversation.
After Carpenter’s death, the music world was left reeling. Her music had been a staple of the airwaves for years, and her untimely passing was a shock to her many fans. Despite the sadness of her passing, however, Carpenter’s legacy continued to grow in the years that followed. Her songs continued to be popular on the radio and in films, and her music videos were frequently played on MTV. Her voice, once again, captured the hearts of listeners around the world.
In addition to her musical legacy, Carpenter’s death also drew attention to the issue of anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders. Her struggles with the disorder had been well-documented, and her death helped to raise awareness of the serious health risks associated with these conditions.
The Karen Carpenter Foundation, established in 1985 by Carpenter’s brother, Richard, has been a driving force in promoting awareness of anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders. The foundation provides information and resources to help those struggling with these disorders, and works to promote research into their causes and treatments.
Carpenter’s life and music continue to be celebrated today, nearly 40 years after her death. Her songs, including “Close to You,” “Rainy Days and Mondays,” and “We’ve Only Just Begun,” remain classics of the era, and her legacy as a singer and songwriter lives on. She is remembered not only for her talent, but also for her bravery in sharing her struggles with anorexia with the world.
Karen Carpenter’s death was a tragedy that had a profound impact on the music world and on the broader public consciousness. Her last photo, taken just weeks before her death, has become an iconic image of her struggles with anorexia and of the toll the disorder can take on a person’s health. Despite the sadness of her passing, however, Carpenter’s legacy has continued to grow in the decades since her death, as her music and her message continue to inspire new generations of listeners.
She does not look 32 in that last picture.
I remember this. I read that her manager (or some other authority figure) told her she needed to lose weight because she looked plump. Back in those days, there was a lot of pressure to be extremely thin, and many people regularly took diet pills. Thankfully, our society has changed (a bit) – and although I’m sickened by all the Ozempic commercials – there is much more acceptance of “normal” bodies now, thankfully.
It’s crazy how much it was in people’s heads back then, I work with seniors in nursing homes and very often the women don’t finish everything on their plate and only take a few bites of desert because they’re still trying to watch their figure. Even though their body literally needs those nutrients and everything is the correct portions
Yeah, everyone, myself included were taking some sort of diet pills back in the day. Being that thin isn’t normal.
It was a journalist early in the Carpenter’s career. He called her “plump” in an article.
Supposedly her mother treated her poorly too.
Yeah her mother apparently was a POS
Twiggy was the beauty standard.
Twiggy was before that time
That doesn’t meant she couldn’t still be a beauty standard.
The press actually referred to her as “chubby” many times in the 70’s. Then factor in that she’d gone her entire life with no control over anything but her weight. Her mother strongly favored her brother, Richard, and Karen’s whole life and career revolved around him. She was raised to feel like her entire existence was made to glorify her brother and his music. Her family was genuinely astonished when they realized she was the most popular Carpenter, they thought it should’ve been Richard. And then they made sure she could never leave him and launch her own solo career, because he wasn’t going to make it without her. So she focused her energy on controlling the one thing she could: her weight. Her story was so sad.
She brought so much joy and happiness to the world (and continues to do so) but tragically was never able to achieve that for herself.
In a cruel twist of fate, her death became the fodder of tasteless jokes.
She deserved better.
Her death became the fodder of tasteless jokes;
No it didn’t. I’ve never heard a single derogatory word against Karen Carpenter. She was beloved.
eye roll You are one person and your statement is a false equivalency. Just because YOU have not heard does not mean their statement is untrue. In fact Bette Midler famously made multiple jokes about Ms. Carpenter. I loathe when people act as if their singular world view is the only acceptable reality.
She was so talented and amazing. Her family and the people around her sucked. Karen deserved so much better.
She was amazing with her artistry. Her songs just pulled you into a different world. Superstar, We’ve Only Just Begun, Yesterday Once More…whatever she sang it just pulled you in. I listen to her all the time. Such a great loss.