What Would Karen Be Doing Today?

[Rob813]

I was wondering what everyone thinks Karen would be doing today had she lived? I definitely think she would have reached icon status considering how beloved she has become. If only she had been successful in her battle with the disorder. Oh well, let us know what you think.

[Rick Henry]

If Karen were still with us I really feel she/Carpenters would have had another 20 or more hits by now. She may have made several guest appearances on television sitcoms and dramas. I also think she would have starred in a movie or two, maybe musical or romantic comedy. She probably would have recorded a few movie themes, which would have garnered her atleast an Academy Award nomination. She'd probably be on her third solo album by now.

[beaner]

I believe Karen would be happily married today and definintely with children had her health not been a problem. I know she loved her godchildren very much.

As far as musical career, she would have continued on both doing solo but also performing with Richard still from time to time.

I believe the performing arts center would have still been built and this would have been a big part of her life as well, doing concerts there and meeting people, etc. She was so full of energy and would have tried anything and everything she could to fulfill her energy and her own dreams too.

[Boat2Sail]

She'd be married with a kid or two. She would have made a few movies and a few more huge hits. I really believe if Karen were to have lived the Carpenters would have had a second run of non-stop hits.

[Moe]

I hope she would have tried musical theater. She would have been a great Maria in "Sound of Music" or any other classic revival or something like Les Miserables or Chess.

She would have done great in any adventure she attempted.

[enigma]

Every time I listen to Karens voice on a recording I always wonder what more she could have accomplished in her life had she lived. Though there is no way of knowing for sure here is my account of what could have been.
If Karen had lived I think she would have remarried but I doubt she would be able to have children of her own due to the effects of her illness. She did seem to love children so probably would have adopted if she could not have any or at least shower Richards children with love. As far as career I'm sure she would find herself on the small screen, the big screen and theater. She would probably be most sucessful on the small sceen however. There would definately be more Carpenters music and solo work and I agree there would be a comeback for her on the musical front. You just can't deny a talent like hers. As far as icon status I think she already is an icon and as long as we remember Karen she will never die.

[Benn]

I pray to the Supreme Being that Karen had not died at the age of 32, and that she had lived to be 120+ years old, just like that woman in France did. Yet, there was an undeniable fact that occured, because of Karen's death from cardiac arrest due to anorexia nervosa, and possibly bulimia, eating disorders became world famous on Feb. 4th, 1983. Karen wanted to make people know about this unknown illness, and she did, and they have. I am glad that no one refers to eating disorders as the "Karen Carpenter illness", the way A.L.S. is referred to as "Lou Gerig's disease". I am also happy of the greater knowledge people have of eating disorders in 2004, than in 1983. It's painful to be the person whose death makes an illness world famous, but, how many people died, and/or lived in pain their entire lives, from eating disorders, before Feb. 4th 1983? At least Karen did not die in vain, as many had done before her. Benn ;D

[Will]

Dare I say this, but had she recovered her health, remarried and had children, she would probably be a grandmother by now.

I'd like to think her voice would still be in sufficient form to perform specials. It seems that women's voices sometimes deepen a bit as they get older but how much lower could Karen have gone?

I saw the movie "The Butterfly Affect" yesterday and it makes you wonder about small changes and how they affect your life.

For example, what if Karen had decided not to leave the support and privacy of being behind her drums early on in the Carpenters career? Would she have been less concerned about her appearance (since she wouldn't have been out front?) What if she had stayed behind the drums for a couple of more years? How would this have affected the acceptance of their music?

[Rick Henry]

willbarns said:

Dare I say this, but had she recovered her health, remarried and had children, she would probably be a grandmother by now.

I'd like to think her voice would still be in sufficient form to perform specials. It seems that women's voices sometimes deepen a bit as they get older but how much lower could Karen have gone?

I saw the movie "The Butterfly Affect" yesterday and it makes you wonder about small changes and how they affect your life.

For example, what if Karen had decided not to leave the support and privacy of being behind her drums early on in the Carpenters career? Would she have been less concerned about her appearance (since she wouldn't have been out front?) What if she had stayed behind the drums for a couple of more years? How would this have affected the acceptance of their music?

Some interesting thoughts there. She most likely would be a grand mother by now.

[karenandrichardfan]

If only things happened differently. Karen would probably be doing less tours and focusing more on her family and her personal happiness.

I agree with Boat2Sail that the Carpenters would have a second string of non-stop hits.

[cam83]

Hi All,
Definately she would have had much more hit singles, some as a duo, and some on her own, and possibly with other duet partners. It's neat to think of all the possibilities she could have done. And yes, she would have had children, she would have definately gone public with her anorexia. She prob would have explored more facets of the entertainment media, movies, television, comedies etc.

My thoughts,
Cam