Karen’s death hit Richard hard. It was no exaggeration when he called it “the worst thing in my life.” Only months later, the Carpenters would be celebrated on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Richard, alone and forsaken, accepted their Hollywood star.
The somber sibling stood with his parents as a 32-piece choir sang “We’ve Only Just Begun.” The Carpenters’ final studio album was released the same day.
The Media Presses Karen About Her Health Issue
Richard completed rehab and was ready to get right back into the recording studio. But first, they hit the road. On a European tour, 'Nationwide' host Sue Lawley cornered Karen about the anorexia rumor. Richard was shocked, and Karen rebuked the question saying she’s fine, it’s just that touring is exhausting.
Lawley pressed on. As Karen tried to laugh it off as a joke, Richard came to her defense and said, “It’s really not what we’re here for.”
The End of Her Struggle
Karen had withered down to just 80 pounds by the end of 1982. Richard fumed at Levenkron for failing his sister. With the support and help of Richard, Karen moved back home with her parents. Things seemed to be getting better, although she napped more than usual. One time, her housekeeper discovered Karen passed out on the closet floor.
Then, on February 4, 1983, Agnes found Karen on the floor of her wardrobe, lifeless. The autopsy showed she died of poisoning from ipecac, a vomit-inducing drug usually used for overdoses or accidental poison ingestion. The cause of death was determined to be from complications of anorexia nervosa. She was 32 years old.
Karen’s Haunting Legacy
The Jim Henson Company entertainment building complex used to house A&M Records. Karen’s office was above the stage at A&Ms. For years, there were reported sightings of Karen Carpenter’s ghost in that building.
Those who claimed to witness her spirit said they saw a woman in the dressing rooms near the soundstage whose features were just like Karen’s. The ghost was said to linger always and only in the dressing rooms.
Covering the Carpenters
The many beautiful songs by the Carpenters have been covered again and again. The Cranberries’ version of “Close to You” falls near to the loveliness of Karen’s vocals.
Speaking of covers, Richard opened up with NPR discussing a Sonic Youth cover of their song “Superstar.” He said he is not impressed with Thurston Moore’s rendition. He told NPR, “At least when it comes to something like this, I will say I don’t care for it, but I don’t understand it. So, I’m not going to say it’s good or it’s bad. I’m just going to say I don’t care for it.”