Karen Carpenter Video

About Karen Carpenter's Death.
This interview was made aftwer the death of Karen Carpenter,here you can see Harold and Agnes(Karen's Parents)talking about how they found her that traggic Day..It's a Pity

[@john123wayne]

karens mother speaks with no emotion. strange. i believe karens mother was controlling, dominant, mean and shaming to karen and this lead to karens eating disorders. eating disorders dont just'happen' for no reason. all dysfunctional human behavior is caused by another human being. once, karens mother yelled at karen for refusing to stand in the rain and sign all the fans autographs.

[@vickiebohy1742]

True. It was in an article in.TV GUIDE years ago..ridiculous!

[@artistbrindle]

“It was quite an experience working with her”...such an odd thing to say about your sister who’d just passed so tragically at 32. Like she was a work colleague...

[@mizzwanned]

right

[@pippadawg7037]

I know. He and the Dragon Lady (Ange's nickname) must be cut from the same cloth. Agnes sounds like she is talking about the day the toilet overflowed and flooded the upstairs carpet. My mother lost her 17 year old daughter over 40 years ago and she can't talk about the events of that day with that much composure even now. She could barely sit up straight in a chair that first month or so. Hell I can't talk about the day I put my 6lb 10 year old dog to sleep with the casual composure Agnes enjoys describing holding her dead daughter. You can't miss Harold's body language. He is leaning as far away from her as he can get in that chair, trying to distance himself from her while she gives that frigid account. I pitied him. I think he was the only person in that family who loved her and I think he knew the truth. Karen was literally starved for her mother's affection, and ironically still didn't manage to earn it.

[@artistbrindle]

@@pippadawg7037 your take on this is so freaking spot-on, and I couldn’t agree more.

[@pippadawg7037]

@@artistbrindle Well thank you! When I heard Richard say, "It was quite an experience working with her, I thought he was a producer or something and that it was cold even for colleague. Until I read your comment I didn't realize that was Richard her brother. I assumed he loved her and mourned her like a normal person. Do you know in an interview with Barry Manilow of all people Agnes Carpenter said, "I didn't kill my daughter." Kinda like when Nixon said, 'I am not a crook." Her father Harold Carpenter only survived Karen 5 years dying in '88. Her mother died in the late 90s. As a mother myself I don't get her. I have two daughters one 30 and one 34. They are my faith, hope and inspiration. Without them I am nothing and God I hope they both know it.

[@carried.4515]

It's the dragon lady who couldn't even tell her daughter who was self suiciding that she loved her.

[@christopher3386]

Easy to judge from your armchair.

[@Blueknight1960]

@@christopher3386 Telling the truth isn't judging.

[@trishbaum6364]

@@christopher3386 it's well known Richard was her favorite and she made rude comments to Karen.

[@christopher3386]

@@trishbaum6364 "Well known". All you know is what you've read in tabloids... no one really knows the dynamics of any family.

[@trishbaum6364]

@@christopher3386 no it's well known. Not just in tabloids. She treated her daughter like shit.

[@peterpaulruben]

The mom is sick....she needed treatment herself....domineering, low self-esteem, probably saw herself in her daughter and this was revealed in her behavior. Karen died specifically from the over the counter drug Ipecac which induces vomitingand gradually weakens the heart. She had been taking it since returning to California from her New York treatment.The prettiest voice ever....we miss you so much. Love you, Karen.

[@himikaakram88]

I think you should not judge her parents like that!! walk one mile in their shoes before you throw your judgement like this! only they knew what all of them were going through at that time! and btw, how much control do you think parents have on their "adult children?!" don't they have a life of their own too? also, karen used to pretend to be eating normally when she was around her family, but later she used to go to the bathroom to puke it all out! that is how every anorexic does it! how old parents can know what is going on behind the closed door of an adult child's room? there is a fine line between care and intrusion! perhaps her parents did not want to be intrusive at first, but by the time they realised the seriousness of the problem, matter was out of hand already. u need to undertsand the timing of events too. at that era , people's thought process, attitude towards problems were very different than now. perhaps if you were at her mother's place at that time, that would not make a huge difference too? we can't know anything anymore now. also, it was a very rare disorder at that time, their parents have very little info on that; may be they were perplexed as well! and mother's biasness?! oh pls, it's extremeley common!! it seemed to have very little or almost no role in her becoming an anorexic. insecurity, self image this things are not so easy to deal with unless you are a pro. First of all, you have to have the willingness to be helped. In karen's case, it was not the case, simple!

[@africanbantushaman9351]

@@himikaakram88 Exactly! 👏😊

[@olgafigueroa2909]

@@himikaakram88 ultimately, she never had the emotional support and the love and approval of her parents. They only showed love, support and encouragement to the son. All of them resented her greatness.

[@liviaurquiola1063]

Era una made horrible, Karen solo queria su approbation, queria que la amara

[@MedullarisConus]

@@himikaakram88 stttupp! Agnes was a cvvvnttt, PERIOD

[@NJG0516]

They didn't grieve for Karen in public and they didn't show Karen love in private...hmmm.....

[@finster1968]

Karen is a tragic but very important lesson for those of us who grew up with a narcissist parent and a favored child. You don’t have to be defined by the family you came from. You can ultimately heal from psychological and emotional abuse. You just have to recognize that you were never the problem. And learn to see your family for who they are. Your own character and likability is not in your genes. It’s sad that Karen didn’t live long enough to realize she was the gem of the entire bunch. She could’ve had a wonderful solo career.

[@lovetolearn881]

So true. At that time I'm sure she was convinced she was at fault. It's best to leave families like this completely behind and never have contact again. Even if her dad dud not hate her like the mom did, he supported the mothers hatred. You just can't live a decent life staying anywhere near a situation like this

[@finster1968]

@@lovetolearn881 - Absolutely right. Living with an abuser and an enabler is a recipe for disaster.

[@jessopocarbone1198]

Exactly.

[@MsNooneinparticular]

My theory: since the report states she died in the kitchen & Agnes is adamant she died in her closet, maybe she died in the midst of a fight with her mom over the divorce papers she was to sign later that day (in the kitchen). Of course the ipecac is still what ultimately destroyed her heart, but the way her family treated her was utterly ruthless & should be discussed. We know Agnes forced her to go through w/ the wedding when she wanted to back out; perhaps she felt a divorce would look bad & cause people to "talk". Eating disorders are all about control & tend to occur in people with Type A personalities who like to please others; Karen obviously felt no control over her career or personal life & was never "good enough" for her mother. While you can't blame anorexia on one event or person, it's fair to say the dysfunctional family dynamic probably played a huge role in her low self-esteem & desperate need for control. I have other thoughts on Karen but these are the main ones relevant to this particular issue.

[@vickiebohy1742]

She died in the closet of her bedroom. She had spent the night there rather than returning to Century City to her condominium.

[@artistbrindle]

I’ve always thought it was odd too how the two reports were so different. The EMT report said that she was found in the kitchen, and she arrived at the hospital wearing a running suit with her medications in the pocket. Her mother told the other story, about her being found nude in the closet. Agnes was just bizarre, she seemed like the kind of mom who would call her daughter a liar if she’d ever said she was molested. And so intolerant. In the Coleman biography, it talks about her visiting Karen in NYC during Karen’s treatment, and Karen was sobbing on the phone while the rotten husband was saying stuff. Instead of comforting her daughter, she got mad and wanted her to stop crying. A real piece of you-know-what!

[@MedullarisConus]

@Wacom Artist yes, agnes wasa kunnntpsychopath!😡😤

[@video198712]

I thought Karen died in her bedroom, not the kitchen.

[@sueluvu]

Narcissist mother, enabling father, Richard was the golden child and Karen was the Scapegoat child

[@calilammy]

I agree with john123wayne, which is the first comment above how in the world could a mother go on national TV & speak like she was just having an normal conversation with a friend at lunch. HER DAUGHTER JUST DIED! her daughter was one of the best female vocalist of ALL TIME! this video shows a lot, also interviews of Richard and Karen. If you look at the Good Morning America piece from August of like 1980 or 81, you can see the control of Richard, and poor Karen had her solo record shelved!

[@poohbearrichie72]

Talking of control on the Bruce Forsyth Christmas special when Karen was on her own as Richard had a bad case of the 'flu' 😂 notice how much happier Karen is as she sings cracks jokes and generally plays the fool with Bruce he asks Karen if he could play the piano for her she states clearly no Richard doesn't like anyone playing the piano but he doesn't mind someone singing with me. I think that sums up the whole set up. I've always wondered why Karen had to give up her drums which she loved wholeheartedly but Richard never gave up his piano. They were control freaks and the only one who truly loved Karen was her Father.

[@john123wayne]

if you have someone around you that calls you an ahole, a nit wit, a jerk, and tells you that you are stupid and won't amount to anything....and that everything you want to do is dumb...that is the mentality you will form. Karen's mother was psychologically repressive in a similar manner. She wouldn't let Karen move out, (her mother was dominant and controlling) karen wanted to play drums but her mother scolded her into singing and not playing drums.karens mother was the lead repressor. (cont)

[@brianwalsh1401]

I read that when the family met with the therapist who was helping Karen with her eating disorder and they were all asked to say they loved Karen the mom couldn't say it and chastised the therapist for calling her by her first name. She was the primary cause of Karen's issues because of her inability to truly love her daughter. Having dysfunctional parents and children not getting their needs met is the biggest reason for most of societies issues. The mom was probably treated the same way by her mother or father.

[@juliewilkins6764]

I think it's very telling that all Agnes could get out of that conversation is that the therapist didn't address her as "Mrs."

[@Desantisgogoboots]

Bingo! And the sick brothers comment "It was quite and experience working with her". No tears during the interview either. But I am certain they were paid SMH!

[@aspieangel1988]

Yes I read that too! In fact Agnes said “we don’t do that in this family. We don’t love” I was in shock. I have family members who act like that towards me so I understand.

[@SuperPaige02]

Agnes was a very controlling person who pushed Karen to what happened!!!!

[@oppressednolonger1497]

Undoubtedly. I had a sister who was such an angel at heart. Our mother just destroyed her psychologically, and ripped apart the sibling relationships as well as other ones. This same 'mother' told my fiance at the time to buzz off and that we would never see one another again (after she sabotaged my job and I was forced to live with my parents for awhile at the time) I was gaslit into thinking all the problems we had were his fault. I could not bear to think it was her sabotaing my life. (A mother wouldnt ever do that right?) Wrong. Think again. Sometimes they are called NPD, but I considered her a sociopath. Because just like Karen, my sister too, died while recovering in her home, and kept talking about the minor circumstances of the moments before death, but sounded like it was all a hassle, and the key is: she NEVER shed one tear when discussing the loss of her daughter. I lived thru and observed almost this identically, despite some differences. And yes my sister, I believe died of a broken heart - from never at least having a mothers love when it was so desperately needed: during recovery. These people should NEVER become mothers. Ive seen people come back from all kinds of heart problems. By the way, I now believe one can indeed die of a broken heart. May Our Father hold you gently in the palm of his hand, dear Karen. And gratitude for all your beautiful musical contributions to the world. So many have been blessed by your amazing talents.

[@Vegas-cs8co]

Mommy Dearest!

[@gvalley07]

Sybil's mom.

[@sharksport01]

Karen gave so much and got so little

[@ronatopaz1]

I watched it twice and paid close attention to Mr C's body language, and yes, he is shaking his head whilst his wife is speaking. He also appeared to be domineered by her. Possibly it was because it was Mrs C who found her daughter's body, they allowed her to do most of the speaking. I think she cared for Karen in her own way, but I feel people who show such obvious favouritism damage the less favoured beyond words. I am a victim of such treatment as well and I have never fully recovered.

[@brianwalsh1401]

I think the mom was the dominant force in that family. The dad was go along get along type of guy who probably had a mom like his wife and so was use to being dominated. No healthy person is going to tolerate being treated like that. Mom has no love for Karen and no matter what she did it wasn't good enough. Psychology 101. I'm sorry for anybody who has dysfunctional parents because they can't give their children what they need besides food, clothing and shelter kids also need to feel safe, secure and have love, affection and belonging.

[@KarenSteelMusic]

Yes, Harold was shaking his head, and leaning away from Agnes. One reason he is silent and lets Agnes do the talking is because he had a stroke in the 1960's, and Agnes took advantage of this--always putting herself in control of the family.

[@pur4567]

her mother was a very controlling person she dominates this interview her husband doesnt get to open his mouth it had to effect Karen in ways we will never know

[@freddiegrace3770]

Nothing can destroy a child more than a nasty mother!

[@crochethappy3786]

After reading there book "little girl blue", I'm not that critical of her mother. Her parents did everything they could for Karen and her brother. They worked hard to sacrifice for their career. It could be the mother being their manager had to be tough, especially since her husband seems passive. Karen was thrown in front when she was happy playing the drums. She was made into what she didn't want to be. A musician without an instrument to express herself. That's just my opinion. She also had very large hips for her frame and wore unflattering clothing. Because she was criticized, and she was in front of the world exposed as she was, she wanted to be as thin as possible, so her hips wouldn't show as much. Its too bad she didn't have Bob Mackie designing for her, with beautiful costumes like Cher had. I used to sew and her outfits looked home made for many years in the beginning. Karen and her brother were even angry at the record producers for putting such unflattering photos of themselves on the album covers.

[@Sippy309]

I totally agree...I know control freaks...They are unbearable and a complete turn off.

[@applefan2151]

I’m at a loss of words on how a mother can’t love their own child.

[@brianwalsh1401]

This isn't uncommon. A lot of parents weren't loved by their parents and so they don't know how to give it. She could be a cluster B personality disordered and be very cold and her son was the golden child. For the black sheep nothing you do will ever be good enough. The mom was a piece of work.

[@dissturbbed]

My grandma was like that, unable to feed love or empathy. It’s genetic however she was cool as can be. She cared in a logical way, hard to describe but some people can’t feel certain feelings. It’s not their fault just the way things are since birth

[@lovetolearn881]

​@@dissturbbed sorry it is your fault when you emotionally torture your child until they starve themselves to death. This psychopath and whatever other cluster B brain disease she had knew exactly what she was doing as she slowly enjoyed killing her own child. Abhorrent

[@Kraliezec]

She was subconsciously jealous of her female child but will never admit even to herself that her son was the light of her life.

[@lisaquinn7052]

AND Richard of his only SISTER "IT WAS QUITE AN EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH HER". She made you famous and that's it?

[@vickiebohy1742]

Shawn Kennedy, He truly DID love his sister.

[@PeaceFan1]

It is a well known fact that Karen's mother favored Richard and made it all about HIM and his talent etc... How could Karen have NOT felt less than ...there is a way that a PARENT treats you that determines a lot of your behavior ....Don't forget that !! Her " mother " makes me ill ...No responsibility or accountability just " what did I do wrong !!! " Barf ....Karen, may you rest in Peace my Angel !!! xoxo

[@poohbearrichie72]

Where is Richard now? What success has he achieved on his own? None! He's even trying to push his daughter Mindy to sing despite the fact she's tone deaf lol 😂

[@wpgjets4life]

That's also a bunch of BS. A woman who sell millions of records, and be on the top of the pop music charts in America for years would certainly be able to handle any critic saying something unflattering about her. Karen's pain ran much deeper than that, and it's obvious that something is off with the mother in this video. Look at the father's body language. If he was any further away from Agnes, he would have fallen off the couch..

[@lakotareddeer397]

The truth is. Karen died in kitchen Richard and family decided to change the story because of the heartless jokes about being found dead in kitchen with relation to food and her being so skinny. It would of been awful. Like the tonight show and other tonight show hosts cracking jokes about past entertainers. Yes her mom was over controlling. But we have to forgive her as Karen is also. And Richard was a Good brother. If not for him, There be no Carpenters

[@brianwalsh1401]

@@lakotareddeer397 Without Karen he wouldn't have been nearly as big. He was jealous that she was getting all the attention and she was looking for love from him that she couldn't get from her mother. Karen wanted to be loved as we all do so she could feel good about herself but the 2 most important people in her life were empty wells and had nothing to give.

[@wpgjets4life]

@@brianwalsh1401 Absolutely. Richard obviously helped write and produce the songs, but without a star musician to work with, he would have never had a career. It was all Karen. Unfortunately, I've heard both Agnes and Richard controlled all aspects of her life, and the only thing Karen could control, was her weight.

[@john123wayne]

continued... karens mother put down karens solo record that she made without richard...and karens mother never let it get released to the public. so when a human being lives with such a repressive person, the human psyche turns 'in' on itself. karen developed very low esteem and never saw herself as 'good enough'. this was due to her mothers dominance and constant put downs. karen developed "i am no good and i am too fat" . dont be fooled by her mothers smiles. she repressed karen 2 death.

[@hairyscotman]

bless her heart...not a Christmas goes by that I don't say how much I miss Karen Carpenter...voice of an angel...RIP

[@eoldfield5265]

Diagnosis- mother with narcissistic personality disorder

[@oppressednolonger1497]

Bing, top prize goes to correct answer-> E Oldfield.

[@GreenRad2012]

I always thought there was something "off" about their family dynamic.. I think that it was disfunctional and lead, ultimately, to Karen's demise. I feel for all of them, for their individual and collective injury.

[@Sippy309]

I think Karen was struggling putting on face to convince the audience they were the perfect American family...meanwhile, that was the furthest thing from the truth. Her mother looks like an evil, emotionless woman. I've seen this behaviour before. Living with her mother the way she was, probably got to her, and with her brother acting like the perfect angel in front of his mother and not defending Karen, as far as I'm concerned, that was the nail in the coffin. What a show they are putting on here, audience is too smart to be fooled by this act. I'm sure after lunch with that heartless, control freak, her heart gave up...Karen was not a strong person...she should have told her brother off, and told her mother I'm out, instead of inflicting self harm, and pursued a singing career on her own. Trust me, using your tongue is a form of regaining control. These parasites needed to be shut down and given a taste of their own medicine and I really dont care how talented her brother was. Karen had an instrument and it was called her voice. She didnt need to be around people who controlled her every move

[@brianwalsh1401]

She needed to get into a therapy program to learn about herself and how to be your own loving parent. It doesn't just happen for most people when you've been conditioned over a lifetime to be a certain way. I wish she had done it so she could've gotten some peace in her life and self love.

[@RON69METS]

how can she talk about it so easily. it was her fucking daughter . i never met the girl and i die every time i hear her voice . i mean her parents werent loving parents that said i love u or hugged their kids (richard said this) and i think this video says a lot i mean so detached its sad , i love u karen now and 4 ever and my kids will grow loving and hearing your music .

[@debramaione6585]

I can't believe she knew everything that happened every single thing that morning that Karen Carpenter passed away and yet no tears no getting choked up wow she never gave a hoot for her daughter it's so obvious just want to say I miss you Karen Carpenter I was a big fan of yours your voice was like no other I still listen to your music today in 2021 God bless you and I know you're in heaven and you're an angel you are still missed and loved by all your fans 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️💖💖💖

[@jjs490]

talk about a DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY..wow, John Bradshaw would have had a field day dissecting the Carpenter Family, looking directly at Agnes Carpenter...

[@vickiebohy1742]

Exactly!

[@vickiebohy1742]

Crochet Happy, First, the parents DIDN'T sacrifice everythem for THEM. They moved to California TO HELP PROMOTE RICHARD'S CAREER, NOT HIS AND KAREN'S. SECOND, Mrs. Carpenter WAS NOT their manager. They had professional management. His name was Sherwin Bash. Agnes did oversee the fan club after it started.She was simply controlling and ran the family at home and their professional career if something happened that caused fans to.complain. I believe they were in Pennsylvania and it was pouring.down rain. K and R didn't stop to sign autographs like they usually did because of the rain. A woman called to.complain .Agnes called Richard at a hotel they were staying at while on tour(they were in.another town by then),and FUSSED at him for not signing autograph. According to the TV GUIDE article, he was saying, "But Mom...but mom.." , TRYING to tell her they were outside the event venue and it was pouring down rain. She told him to call this mother and apologize, and send autographed albums as an apology. Apparently, the mother didn't mention to Agnes that it was raining.THAT is how she micromanaged their career, tho she was not their professional manager, just a controlling mother. This article was in the TV Guide magazine. I'm sure you can Google it and read it for yourself. . P

[@terencekuo]

This video makes me cry I miss you,Karen.

[@john123wayne]

in this video....look at the fathers body language. he is on the sofa LEANING AWAY FROM THE MOTHER (closed body language) and has his arms closed with hands clasped. body language of someone not in agreement with what karens mother is saying. body language is everything. the fathers body language is "i am trying to get away from her and i disagree with everything she is saying" . her fathers body language admits that karens mother is a monster. he is trying to get away (body language tells us)

[@usa26point2mileman]

We know (Agnes) discovered the body. But holy smokes did she ever control that interview. Harold was lucky to get a single word in. Read "Little Girl Blue"--Anges was at the heart of Karen's anorexia from the beginning to the end-even when (Karen) finally married. Sure Karen ultimately killed herself, but mama twisted that knife.

[@vickiebohy1742]

Their autobiography by Ray Coleman is good, but LITTLE GIRL BLUE by Randy Schmidt is an eye opener.

[@oppressednolonger1497]

you couldnt be more correct on that point.

[@LadyV05]

How can her mother be so emotionless?? As a mother, she should have been crying her eyes out while telling the story of HER LAST DAY ON EARTH. I hear she was very controlling and demeaning towards Karen. A monster, to say the least. Karen and her brother wanted nothing but love and support from their parents. So glad my parents aren't that way. Karen, you are sorely missed. No one will ever sing like you again. RIP and sing with the angels. xoxoxo

[@himikaakram88]

my god, pls keep your judgement to yourself for the sake of heaven!!! everybody's way of expressing grief is different!!!! for me, I know I cannot cry even in the presence of my mother. I can NEVER cry if another person is sitting in front of me. I always need to be alone to cry!! but some people can cry very easily, grief and mourn very easily. every person's attitude towards a huge shock is different and very much relative. I think for one second you can step back and forgive her for not crying her eyes out infront of a TV camera! it's not u, but them who were dealing with her daughter's anorexia! when you are handling an upsetting event for too long, you start looking at it very normally. it does not shock you or upset you anymore with as the same intensity of as it started. by the time Karen died, it is quite likely that her mother got drained of every emotion left in her due to this anorexia thingy, cause she had been dealing with it for years before you even heard the name of this disorder! Both of her parents are deas today, so let them rest in peace.

[@brianwalsh1401]

@@himikaakram88 Akram your defending this mother who was the biggest problem in Karen's life is disturbing. Why are you so adamant about defending a mother who had no love to give her daughter and was constantly critical of her and made it known she favored the son. Karen Carpenter was so psychologically damaged by her mother it caused her to have an eating disorder which eventually killed her. It really is that simple.

[@himikaakram88]

@@brianwalsh1401 may be I can think out of the box, unlike you?!

[@brianwalsh1401]

@@himikaakram88 Maybe. But I think Karen Carpenter's mom maybe reminds you of you or your mother. We're all products of our home environments for better or worse and usually both. I've had to work on my issues from where I come from and I'm grateful to have the opportunity to change my unhealthy behaviors. Karen Carpenter's mom was a controlling force to be reckoned with who was seemingly incapable of loving Karen and whatever she did was not good enough. It was the basis for Karen's issues and eventually caused her eating disorder and killed her. I wish you the best.

[@himikaakram88]

@@brianwalsh1401 actually u or may be ur mom are the "exact" reflection of her mother?! I wish your mental health recovery. U r soooo much against her harshness..but look at you dude! Like who is talking!! People with the worst breathe always look for bad breathe in others. May be u r also dealing with the same problem. Rest in peace bro!

[@randolphburns7974]

I was three years younger than Karen. Grew up with her music. Loved them in concert. My parents were very dysfunctional. At 71 it all seems so far away. Listening to Karen always brings me joy.

[@groove1722]

Also three years younger than Karen. Never forget the first time I saw Karen on the Ed Sullivan Show. Said to myself "Wow she plays drums too!". I am a drummer also. First time I ever saw a woman play drums. There was nobody like Karen then, there is nobody like Karen now. Every time she was on TV I always made sure I watched it. Deepest regret is never seeing her perform live

[@sargem100]

At the end of this video Richard says "That was quite an experience working with her." I find that comment weird. Does he mean the experience was good or bad. I think it was a dumb statement for Richard to make after Karen's death. It makes me wonder did he really love his sister or was she a pain he was glad to get rid of.

[@dsmusicbird]

sargem10p I had the same reaction to that comment. Very cold and detached and almost like his attitude about it is...welp, it was great while it lasted but ummm gotta move on now. 😕

[@vickiebohy1742]

How asinine. Of course he meant that it was good. He meant that like how you would say seeing the giant Sequoia Trees, one big enough to DRIVE THROUGH, was quite an experience.

[@oppressednolonger1497]

Sure is, In fact its beyond weird. Lack of empathy, Likely it was taught from a very young age. Agnes, a malignant narcissistic mother may well have taught him, practically gaslighted him into not showing familial love. Or even any caring for when she needed it the most - yes - even his own sister. If Richard decided to have a good look into his past, his family dynamic, he would out the mother. And get right with his own soul. Its cleansing.

[@iqranedzereie6026]

I would honestly blame Karen's mom for her death. The real reason for Karen's anorexia is because she was craving for her mom's love; something that Karen has never had in her life. But her mom preferred Richard over her. Dear Agnes, I hope that you are "proud" of yourself for the way you have treated your daughter Karen, who was gifted with such talent and a beautiful soul. Did you even have an itty bitty feeling that your own daughter is not even eating just because the only thing that she wants more than anything in the world is your love and compassion as her mother? Without a shadow of a doubt, you are nothing but wicked soulless witch.

[@fijardim7]

The mom is giving much narcissistic behavior vibes

[@stevesausen7]

She was so young and beautiful she should still be alive today she died to young.

[@ElizaHamilton1780]

You can tell who wears the pants in that family. It’s Agnes. She leads everyone around like dogs on leashes. Karen suffered terribly for it, and lost her life because of it, and it didn’t matter one bit to Agnes. Not. One. Bit.

[@Allhoney33]

I've always wondered if Agnes Carpenter sexually and physically abused Karen, in addition to emotionally and verbally abusing her. People often overlook mothers in sexual abuse cases because we're so programmed to be biased and prejudiced but it's a suspicion I've always had because Agnes displayed prominent sociopathic traits. I've also always wondered if Agnes Carpenter, in a very well coordinated, well hidden deviant manner, intentionally drove Karen into anorexia so she would die. This would pave the way for her beloved favorite, Richard, to get the spotlight and glory. After all, Richard is who Agnes wanted to be the star and she didn't hide her disdain for Karen taking the spotlight from Richard and was very dismissive of Karen's natural talent. To dismiss is to devalue. To devalue is to be apathetic. The be apathetic is to reduce a person down to a non-human unfit to live. People underestimate the moral corruption and primitive nature of malignant narcissists and sociopaths, especially if they're mothers. I personally have never put anything past this woman...if you can call her that. An interviewer who went to their home to interview her and Harold after Karen's death, said Agnes rushed to the door and stepped in front of the maid who answered the door and her first words were something to the extent of.....I didn't kill my daughter.....Talk about a major Freudian Slip/subconscious slip that people seem to ignore/overlook! Agnes would've been a great sociopath to interview by the FBI Mindhunter/Behavioral Science trio, Dr. Ann Wolbert Burgess, John E Douglas and Robert K Ressler. Not letting Karen speak to her own dad whenever she was in the hospital, criticizing Karen's weight, controlling Karen's every move, treating her like a 10 year old, invalidating her own daughter's emotions and refusing affection are the classic hallmarks of a sociopath.

[@alinesodre334]

Mommy dearest. Agnes was an awful mother to Karen.

[@texjoy56]

All I know is Karen and Richad's music was so much a part of my life...the songs, the words. I will forever love thier music!

[@bhinderbinder]

What a strange couple. Poor Karen! To have them as parents.

[@antij1]

I wonder what happened to Karen's mother. Maybe she was an abused child or something for her to be such a cold person.

[@babygirlramos9766]

OMG!!I read all comments and also debates to one another..But surely in myself that i go to those people who loves KC..We all know she passed away,but that "VOICE "will forever echoed in this world...and never ending debates on "HOWS and WHYS" she passed away...I'm not born in her era,only 21 in age...a female...but seen KC in KZbin is love at first sight..became a little bit tomboy just for her...Knowing her life by viewing and reading documentaries is what a Karen Carpenter became a big part of my life now...I love this woman alot...i dreamed alot with her..So weird to even dreamed her as my wife...hahaha..But why a mother is hard for her to say the word"I LOVE YOU"to her own daughter when the whole world loves her daughter?I LOVE YOU MAY SAVED HER LIFE..Here in PHILIPPINE we always use that term(i love you)for our love ones and in many ways...We love you KC.The World is still yours..Love you my lady.

[@benjaminclasper9355]

I’m shocked at the lack of emotion she just sounds cold It’s a shame Karen didn’t get the same amount of love as Richard from her mother.

[@stevesausen7]

It's still a god damned shame it never should have happened.

[@lisaquinn7052]

SPECIAL PLACE for Mother'S like this. Shame SHAME on THEM!!! IT'S CALLED HELL!

[@scottp104]

Karen, this world cries for you even after all this time! People that comment here about her Mom being so calm while discussing her death is very disturbing, I agree. However, it was a different time where people did not discuss openly drug addition, eating disorders, alcohol. Bottom line is whatever troubled her, killer her. No one helped her. Love you, Karen. Thanks for so many great songs and the memories that are associated with them. You are singing with angels now

[@Love.America]

You don't know the whole story... if you read anything about her mother... she was cold and couldn't even tell her daughter she loved her. Her mother was heartless. That's why she didn't cry. Read up on things before tou make comment you know nothing about.

[@bonnefraher1709]

Absolutely no emotion from her own mother. Very cold. 😢

[@MultiGill55]

very talented person, greatly missed r.i.p karen x

[@kevincady5613]

Not a tear while she tells the story. No emotion.

[@crochethappy3786]

Why did her mother lie about finding her upstairs??? The police report says that she was on the kitchen floor when paramedics found her. That is very interesting to me. I wonder if her mother fought with her and she had the heart attack in her presence. You can find the report online. Its public information. Very disturbing indeed. There was also a bottle of ativan in the pocket of her red sweat outfit she had on. ativan is used for anxiety.

[@MsNooneinparticular]

Good point. The way her dad says "Her heart just gaaaave out" like she just lay down & went to a peaceful sleep seems a bit suspicious if what you say is true. In the "Little Girl Blue" book, Agnes said upon meeting the filmmaker for the 1989 movie "I want you to know I didn't kill my daughter." That's literally the first thing she said to him. The fact that Karen was signing divorce papers that day might've set off a fight between them. Wow. Now I'm even sadder about the whole thing :(

[@crochethappy3786]

I read the book. The whole thing is sad. At the time they said she died bc she was gaining weight and her heart couldn't take that. She was drinking ipecac syrup and that eroded away her heart muscle. They weren't honest at the time reporting her death since the death certificate states ipecac poisoning. The night before she died she ate a shrimp salad, and ordered a taco to go and ate it when she got home and then used the syrup to throw up. They said she had gotten over anorexia, but it was really at the end bulemia she was suffering from. She probably started eating in front of people to appease them. When you read the book, the progression up until the last couple of years is very sad. She marries a man she finds out lied to her about being able to have children (he had a vasectomy and only told her a couple of weeks prior to the wedding). She tells her mother she wants to cancel the wedding and her mother won't let her. So the marriage was a sham from day one. Then he keeps taking tens of thousands from her and she realizes he was just a pretender. So so sad. Anyway, with Karen, they didn't know that the internet would one day expose the truth. "close to you" was the first song I associated with my first teenage crush. I will never forget it. I am currently almost done with Amy Winehouse's moms book on her life. Very similar I would think to Karen's in that fame came upon them at an early age..they both had a fixation on their weight, and the pressures of the music industry contributing to an horribly untimely ending of their lives....and a waste of incredible, God given talent.

[@vickiebohy1742]

The books and all the information I have found or read said Karen was found nude in the closet. She and Agnes were going shopping, then Karen and her friend Frenda were going to sign Karen's divorce papers then planned to get their nails done.

[@Allhoney33]

Listen to Agnes at 1:32 "She had just laid down". Meaning Karen had been alive right before her eyes minutes before dying and not the whole "she found her upstairs laying on the floor dead that next morning". You're right, Agnes is a liar. She caused Karen's death and Harold knows it....look at Harold's body language. He's leaning away from Agnes. Richard knows something too that's why he's been on a mission for years to protect Agnes's image. I'd love to hear from Karen's ex-husband, Thomas Burris. People make him out to be the villain but I think that's a mostly manufactured story to take the focus/heat off of Agnes. Ashamed these monsters placed a gag order on Thomas Burris. I also don't believe he was physically abusing Karen like friends hinted at. I believe it was both Agnes and Richard who were physically abusing Karen, yet Karen was too humiliated to tell her friends. As anybody would be if their own family was physically abusing them. So she made her ex husband the fall guy.....probably at the demands of Agnes and Richard. Wouldn't be surprised if they both forced Karen to marry Thomas Burris so they could manufactor the whole story. Agnes and Richard are definitely sociopaths and I put nothing past them after spending years studying, analyzing sociopaths/psychopaths.

[@dillyho]

Bizarre woman. Bizarre family. Poor Karen. I like to think she’s free now. She won. Not the way we wanted, but still free.

[@lovetolearn881]

Karen was hated by her mother that was what eventually killed her the same as if her mother had murdered her. At this time people were unaware how psychopathic parents could destroy a child without ever laying a hand on them and no doubt Karen's mother trained her from childhood that she was not good enough and any cruelty shown her she brought on herself. Richard is what would be referred to as the golden child and his mom's "flying monkey" used to further inflict crippling emotional pain on Karen. He was very jealous of Karen and her angel voice. Karen was apparently a sweetheart that was unfortunately born into a horrid family.

[@indigo2go]

That was a very beautiful tribute to Karen Carpenter. Her voice was absolutely beautiful. The way she died should be a reminder to all of us.

[@hebelabasz6272]

Esa mujer era una psicopata y lo se por que mis padres lo son, aun lucho por sobrellevar tanto dolor en mi corazón. Karen era un hermoso ser humano ❤🎉🎉

[@apriltorres3684]

Karen singing was just so angelic and I can't believe she died so young The mother and father just seem clueless as to how severe her daughter was suffering both physically and mentally. I also felt that Richard was not to much better in his treatment of Karen even though she helped him overcome his Quaalude addiction. Richard was also very cold by his remarks in the video but he also stated he had hoped Karen had learned her lesson before he knew she died. I mean Richard hoped by Karen being rushed to the hospital she would somehow get better and quit starving herself. I'm sorry I have such negative views on Karen's mother, father and yes her brother.

[@lovetolearn881]

Her mom is cluster B. She was enjoying watching Karen slowly kill herself

[@lucyrosevelt5274]

Sally Morengo and Coolsweetgrooovy - you said it all. Agree 100% :( These people are f-cked up emotionally. Poor Karen never had a chance. Then Richard goes off and marries his FIRST cousin - WTF??? smh It's children of the corn up in here. No offense to his children. May God bless them and may they leave that small town and marry outside the family.

[@1msmarissab]

His first cousin was adopted. Still weird tho.

[@cosmicallyconscious5577]

His wife was adopted. They are not blood related.

[@vickiebohy1742]

Mary was adopted by Agnes' sister. There is no.blood connection.And , NO, he IS NOT gay. He dated several girls before marrying Mary.

[@Allhoney33]

@@1msmarissab No, they are blood cousins. That's why Richard took tests to make sure their kids would be alright. Read the book, Little Girl Blue. Definitely blood related cousins and this upset Karen tremendously!

[@1msmarissab]

@@Allhoney33 omg! I’ll definitely read that book! Thank you

[@veenus93]

So matter of factory, my goodness.

[@eduardosrrepublicano4374]

the mother was to blame for karen's death, she never showed her love

[@claudiademart4742]

Por culpa de ella y su desamor murio una gran estrella

[@crochethappy3786]

A lot of women from that generation were cold. They were depression babies like my mother. Life was hard then. I blamed my own anorexia on the 70's fashion, and supermodels that were very skinny and tight clothes that showed every ounce of fat....I can never blame my mother for my own vanity. Thankfully, it stopped when I started passing out. The fear of being taken to an unknown hospital unconscious was greater than the fear of being a size 8. I loved the control over my body. I was a size 4 at 5ft 7. I also loved the compliments I got. I was an exercise anorexic, so I looked in shape. The compliments encouraged me. People don't mention the fact that it is vanity, narcissism, just like lots of celebrities are today. Think Kardashian...except now, big butts are in fashion. NEVER in my time!!

[@cosmic1920]

I don't doubt mothers who were children during the depression had a gruff way of dealing with life, but Agnes went well beyond being a pushing stage parent. The way she treated her kids verged on being evil. Richard Carpenter was her golden child and could do no wrong, while Karen could do no right. Parents who do this are the worst of all.

[@alessandrodesouza4856]

@@cosmic1920 Sim, sua observação é bem mais plausível sobre a verdadeira dor de Karen, aquela que aos poucos a matou.

[@alessandrodesouza4856]

Argumento insensível, repleto de conservadorismo vicioso... simplesmente podre!

[@aspieangel1988]

Right? My grandmother and my best friends mother are this way. There’s something seriously wrong with them. My own grandmother told me in her opinion autistic people should be aborted and prevented from existing, cured, euthanized (put to death), chained in asylum in shackles, tortured in asylums and banned from marriage, children, jobs and an education. Who says that shit to their own grand daughter? She also told me discrimination should be legal and that the Americans with disabilities act should be banned and she said she’s voting for trump because he promised to lock up all autistic people in asylums like animals. I was crying that entire visit and my parents were furious 😢

[@coolsweetgroovy]

The worst celeb parents along with Joe Jackson, Murry Wilson, Bing Crosby, The Lohans, Marvin Gaye's Dad and Gary Coleman's parents

[@macparkjw]

Richard Carpenter, her brother says " interesting working with her" ??

[@ronthompson95]

It’s not gonna be the same without her? It doesn’t exist Richard!

[@ericindallas5293]

Richard was Mommy Agnes' favorite she used Karen to further Richard's carrer...Karen was The True Star and how dare Agnes....what kind of woman can't tell their own daughter....I Love You... a jealous woman is who couldn't....I guess she wanted to sleep with her own son. Sick sick woman

[@goov47]

@tubiebrother Exactly. Not everyone cries while they're talking about their loved ones. I know people who only cry in private but never in front of others. It doesn't mean that they're cold. I wholeheartedly agree with you.

[@no1cfielder]

Without Richard's talent for composition and arrangement, as well as his perseverance in pursuing a record contract, we most likely would never have seen Karen. I think it was unfair to Richard to include that clip at the end where he says it's never going to be the same; everyone should bear in mind that this was at the unveiling of the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which I believe was in October 1983, not at the time of Karen's passing.

[@Desantisgogoboots]

lol no, "It's never really going to be the same without Karen, it was quite an experience working with her". Plenty of talented singers make it without a sibling who can compose. GTFOH. She would have been better off without him and her mom as they were exactly the same.

[@jessopocarbone1198]

@@Desantisgogoboots I totally agree.

[@wpgjets4life]

Please tell me you don't honestly believe him. Anorexia is a complicated psychological disease, and nearly always results from dysfunctional family homes. You can tell a lot by body language. "Old people never show emotion?" That's one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard in my life.

[@john123wayne]

and finally....i don't watch television, i dont read the national enquirer..i am television free since 2003. i am smart, intelligent, i listen to multiple sources (both pro and con) before i make up my mind on an issue. i have read, seen, and listened to many people discuss the carpenters story. i also know alot about narcissistic personalities (look it up) and karens mother was a dominant, controlling, narcissist that 'allowed' karen to sing but no drums and no solo career. she killed karen.

[@lisadillon4436]

Hagness Carpenter

[@miguelmouta]

Carpenters . although playing some happy songs, had a strong smell of hidden depressive disease, since their beginings in show biz.

[@iwillfollowhimtothend8559]

The only good thing that came out of this family was KAREN.

[@cloud6862]

Beautiful smooth easy listening voice karen had, most famous Carpenter, thats it..................

[@wwitchywoman]

At the very end with the picture of karen in the middle u can see her bones right by her arm. She looked gorgeous in that picture and it will never be the same without her. Rest in peace Karen!!

[@ivanmay7890]

I haven't watched The Karen Carpenter Story in years, but I really think Louise Fletcher did an excellent job playing Agnes Carpenter in that film. Shame Agnes was such a manipulative and controlling stage parent, because her kids created some great (though often reviled) music.

[@ronatopaz1]

One thing that no one has mentioned was the sense of inevitability that pervades both

[@ziegunerweiser]

i love karen always will if i could only tell her and thank these wonderful people brought her into the world

[@oppressednolonger1497]

No dont thank that demon woman. Thank the Lord for her entrance to this world. Thats how she got her. And the source of her talents as well. Thank you.

[@anaemiabag]

anyone seen that horror movie The Visit? yeah.

[@ronatopaz1]

One more thing-I personally never heard of Anorexia Nervosa until I saw Sarah Jessica Parker star in The Best Little Girl in The World, based on the book written by Karen's doctor. When I saw the video for Touch Me When We're Dancing I like many others, believed Karen was either being treated for cancer or had secretly had treatment during their extended hiatus and was in recovery.

[@oppressednolonger1497]

what was her physicias name? interested in seeing it..

[@cynthiakoerner296]

It was actually Jennifer Jason-Leigh in the title role. No biggie! 😉

[@MrMinnie55555]

her mother is a cold woman and her father didn't show emotion either it is strange!

[@rickosman5100]

Don't believe a word that she said. Dad looks like he can't wait to get away from her and looks like he'd like to say something but is holding his thoughts. Something is just not right about Agnes Carpenter. Very dysfunctional family dynamic.

[@mishkaduarte]

amazing talent

[@AvalonAnn66]

What strikes me is the lack of emotion, describing her daughters death.

[@jwri1981]

I have one sister. If she died, I wouldn't think of working with her, even if I did; work would be the last thing on my mind. A life not fully lived, etc., would be more like it. Or just loving and missing her, like I have my mom since she died.

[@mastertyper1571]

Rebbie Jackson, MJ's eldest sister, had the guts to marry her childhood friend despite family opposition and her abusive father's refusal to walk her down the aisle. They as a result had children and grandchildren. Rebbie was married to Nathaniel until his death. Imagine if Karen had the guts to marry and have children with a childhood friend early in her life and had disowned both her mother and brother. Maybe not only she is still alive today at 73, she might also be a known as a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

[@NJG0516]

I completely agree with you!

[@blueknight07]

Both children suffered. Richard had enormous pressure placed on him as he was the favorite. Karen was abandoned and left to suffer alone.

[@kevincady5613]

Her brother was half the talent she was!

[@goov47]

@daveandcliff How do you know? Did you live with them?

[@drummerkid71]

not a place for arguing ... a place for remembering Karen. Thanks!

[@oppressednolonger1497]

Wrong. Its a place to out the mother Agnes for being the root cause of Karens demise. You have been corrected or as some might say, "schooled." (And possibly outed as a narc yourself?) Get some help with that. Acquire a modicum of empathy while you're at it.

[@llouiseboyd4204]

Her mother was not a nice person

[@innovativeconsultingllc4962]

Something about her Mother doesn’t sit right with me

[@tvtvtfan3767]

Did people ever shame her mom before her mom died

[@japhettorrefranca8077]

does she know that she was the cause of her daughters death?

[@oppressednolonger1497]

psychopath mothers actually not only seem unaffected they (its theorised) that they cannot conceptualise that they actually played a role in the demise- in this case the daughter. I lived thru this personally and watched a sibling pass in a hauntingly similar manner. tragic.

[@MissLeigh78]

You're right, many aren't. But they SHOULD be.

[@no1cfielder]

I'd like to know the question which led to that answer. I suppose people wanted him to say his career was over. Even though a lot of us are missing Karen and her tremendous talent, her loss probably hurt Richard the most of all.

[@coolsweetgroovy]

The worst celeb parents along with Joe Jackson, Murry Wilson, The Lohans, and Gary Colemen's parents

[@carlhammill5774]

Karen died from ipacac poising. Ipacac is given to induce vomiting usually at hospital for drug overdose victims. What Karen didn't realize is ipacac was slowly destroying her heart muscle and eventually her heart failed.

[@stockardchanning5354]

You can tell who wore the pants in this family obviously it wasn't Harold

[@sarahpiaggio2693]

She's talking about the day before her daughter died, and seems to be criticising her choice of food "cockles, of all things!"